Yoga and forest bathing retreat

If you want to inject some calm into your life pre-wedding, or a raucous hen-do isn't for you, check out Forest Garden Shovelstrode, which is holding its first Yoga and Forest Bathing Retreat in October this year. Set in the High Weald of Sussex beside Ashdown Forest, Forest Garden offers luxury Yurt and Cabin accommodation nestled in an ancient piece of woodland.

Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing is a term coined by the Japanese in 1982 and scientific research has shown real health benefits to humans immersing themselves within a forest. It affects our senses and as we breathe deeply, the essential oils of the trees are absorbed into the body, having a profound effect on positive feelings, stress hormone levels, sympathetic nervous activity, parasympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate and brain activity. Spending time in a forest activates the Vagus nerve, which is responsible for inducing calm and regeneration.

The retreat will combine a programme of yoga over the two days along with time spent in a woodland where guests can connect with nature and benefit from forest bathing. Julie Bickerton, a qualified yoga teacher will deliver 10 hours of heart, body and soul nourishing yoga.

When : Wednesday 3rd October to Friday 5th October 2018
Where : Forest Garden Shovelstrode, Ashurstwood, Sussex RH19 3PH

Check out www.forestgarden.info