Re-connect in Nature - A Guided Forest Bathing Walk & Monoprinting Experience

Are you a parent, foster carer, kindship carer or guardian of an adopted or looked after teenager? Would you and your teenager like to spend some time in nature together?

We understand how stressful life can be.

Would you like to get outside, connect with nature, get creative and feel calmer?

Disconnect with technology and re-connect with each other?

Join our guide Kirstie, founder of Through the Trees, for a FREE slow, guided walk through the aromatic pine trees at Hamsterley Forest followed by a creative crafting session. Spot the signs of spring emerging and learn a new creative skill with your teenager/s.

Our experience will be inspired by Forest Bathing or 'Shinrin-yoku' - a practice that involves immersing in a forest environment to enhance physical and mental well-being. This practice has gained attention for its numerous health benefits, supported by scientific evidence. Benefits include stress reduction, enhanced immune function, improved mental health and cardiovascular improvements (inc. lowering blood pressure and heart rate).

This is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your well-being.

Research shows the 'teenage dip' in nature connection is a global phenomenon. We know there are links between teens, excessive screen time, on social media and gaming, and increased youth mental health challenges. More time indoors on screens means less time spent outside amid nature - an activity shown by research to bolster adolescents' physical and mental wellbeing.

Join Kirstie, to explore nature connection through the senses, experience the healing power of the natural environment and 'rewild' your teenager.

This experience will include;

• Grounding and a breathing technique to help relax
• Nature connection activities
• Sit spot: time to just 'be' in nature
• Foraged tea, homemade cake and snacks
• Closing circle and tea gathering
• Indoor creative activity - learn how to do monoprinting with natural items

Part 1: For the first 2 hours you will be ambling slowly through the woods for your guided Forest Bathing Walk. Along the route, Kirstie will invite you to experience a breathing exercise, mindfulness and will offer various activities known as 'invitations'. These are suggestions to give us opportunities to slow down, be present, help engage our senses and deepen our connection with ourselves, each other and the natural world around us! During the experience there are moments of quiet and moments when we share and listen - but it's all optional - there is no pressure to share. Finally, we end the walk with a tea gathering in the woods - a way to integrate our forest bathing experience into the body and try foraged tea, eat home baked snacks, cake and share the experience.

Part 2: Once back at the Visitor Centre, we will gather in one of the woodland rooms where Kirstie will guide you through a creative craft. We will use natural objects such as leaves and flowers found on our walk, to create beautiful botanical monoprints which you can take home with you. They look great in a frame or are perfect to send as a card to a friend or loved one.

The walk is approx. 1-2 miles. Paths are generally good although are steep in parts.

There is a large car park at the Visitor Centre where we will begin our walk. Parking charges will be wavered for this FREE event.

Small group setting (max. 12 participants)

This event is open to those who are new to Forest Bathing and past participants of Thrive with Nature Forest Bathing, Family Forest Days or Forest Therapy sessions.

This event is part of our 'Thrive with Nature' project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and hosted by Forestry England.

This event is for adults accompanying young people aged between 12 - 19 years old.