Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and involves immersing oneself in the natural environment of a forest. Unlike hiking or other outdoor activities, forest bathing is about slowing down and mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.

Participants engage in guided sensory experiences that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. It’s a way to reconnect with nature and oneself, offering a peaceful retreat from the demands of modern life.

In partnership with the land, Leela will offer a series of simple and open ‘invitations’, crafted to support you explore and engage in any way that feels right to you.

Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, boost immune function, improve mood, and enhance overall feelings of well-being. It promotes relaxation and helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Numerous scientific studies have documented the positive effects of forest bathing on physical and mental health. Research has shown improvements in immune function, reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone), and enhanced mood among participants.

The purpose of Forest Bathing is to slow down both physically and mentally, but you will need to give yourself time to let go of your thoughts and really tune in to your surroundings. There will be a series of invitations. These Forest Bathing invitations are offered to create an experience that enhances nature-connection and boosts the therapeutic and restorative effects of nature for health and well-being for the participant. 

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Forest bathing sessions typically last from 2 hours to 2.5 hours, depending on the specific program or guide. The focus is on quality of experience rather than quantity of time spent in the green space. The programme can be curated as requested.

Yes, children and youths can participate in forest bathing sessions. We believe that connecting with nature is beneficial for people of all ages. However, to ensure a meaningful and safe experience, we offer specially designed sessions tailored to different age groups. These sessions may include activities that are more engaging and suitable for younger participants.

For families or groups with children and youths, we recommend checking our schedule for these specific sessions or contacting us to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.

Our forest bathing sessions are carefully designed to create a calm and immersive experience for all participants. To maintain this tranquil environment, we kindly ask that you do not bring pets or young children to the sessions.

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For those interested in forest bathing sessions with children we do offer specialized sessions that cater to families and include child-friendly activities. Please check our schedule or contact us for more information about these options.

All is welcome. Forest bathing is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is accessible to individuals looking to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, or simply enjoy a peaceful connection with nature.

No special equipment or clothing are required for forest bathing. Comfortable clothing and footwear that is suitable for walking in natural environments are recommended.

Typically, we locate washrooms nearby for easy access for participants.

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Our forest bathing sessions are designed to embrace nature in all its forms, including the rain. If the rain is light, we’ll continue with the session, as experiencing the forest in the rain can be a unique and calming experience. We recommend participants bring rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

However, if there is heavy rain, thunderstorms, or other severe weather conditions that could compromise safety, we will postpone or cancel the session. In such cases, we will notify participants as early as possible and provide options to reschedule.

We can have a maximum of 18-20 participants in a group.

Forest bathing can be practiced both outdoors and indoors using elements that mimic the green environment.

Hiking is about getting “there” while forest bathing is about being “here”. While hiking and nature walks involve physical activity and exploration, forest bathing emphasizes a slower pace and being present.

It's recommended to disconnect from technology during forest bathing sessions to fully engage with the natural environment and experience its therapeutic benefits. This allows for a more mindful and immersive experience.