Exciting news! We have partnered with Forestry England to deliver a series of nature journaling sessions at Guisborough Forest as part of “Feel Good in the Forest”, a Forestry England Active Forests Programme, supported by Sport England.
Our Feel Good in the Forest nature journaling sessions are designed to help improve people’s health and wellbeing by enabling them to: be more active, find restoration and build resilience, be connected to each other and the forest, and feel empowered to try new things and included in how activities are delivered.
WHAT IS FEEL GOOD IN THE FOREST?
Feel Good in the Forest is part of Forestry England’s Active Forests Programme, supported by Sport England. It is a flexible programme of activities helping people to increase their physical activity, improve their wellbeing and enjoy the benefits of spending time in forests.
Feel Good in the Forest is all about supporting each other to find ways to be active, feel restored and build resilience, connect with each other and the forest, be empowered to try new things and be included in the activities.
WHO ARE THESE SESSIONS FOR?
Everyone is welcome. Feel Good in the Forest is open to any individual with mild-to-moderate health conditions or who is looking to improve their health and wellbeing. This includes anyone with long-term mental health conditions, low mood, anxiety or stress and who wants to increase their physical activity through movement in the forest.
You can self-refer or be referred by a support worker.
WHAT DO THE SESSIONS INVOLVE?
Nature journaling is a time-honoured practice that combines art, science, and personal reflection. It's a way to connect with nature on a deeper level, enhancing your mental health while expressing your creativity.
Our session begins with a welcoming circle at the Guisborough Forest Visitor Centre, introducing nature journaling and outlining the session’s activities. A forest walk follows, boosting physical wellbeing and helping us find quiet spots for journaling.
We’ll spend a couple of hours exploring nature through creative journaling activities, then coming together for a group discussion to share reflections for those who feel comfortable to do so. The session finishes with optional refreshments back at the Visitor Centre for those who wish to stay for a chat.
You'll leave with a nature journal, a woodland project booklet, and resources such a wellbeing journal to continue your practice at home. These sessions are friendly, supportive, and inclusive, with no pressure to participate beyond your comfort.
HOW TO BOOK ONTO A FREE SESSION
The following Feel Good in the Forest nature journaling sessions are available to book at no cost (spaces limited):
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Friday 28 June, Guisborough Forest (10am - 1pm)
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Thursday 18 July, Guisborough Forest (10am - 1pm)
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Saturday 3 August, Guisborough Forest (10am - 1pm)
Please note: these are stand-alone sessions so there is no need to come along to more than one of the dates, unless you would like to.
To book your space onto a session, email Anna via wildcreativesuk@gmail.com or call
07840 210 403, stating which session you would like to attend. Spaces are limited so you may be placed on a waiting list if the session is fully booked.
We look forward to hopefully seeing you at one of our upcoming sessions!
Stay Wild