Health & Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing

The Forest can inspire us to move in many ways, whether it’s a gentle walk along a woodland path, a bike ride through the trees or connecting with nature through forest bathing. We know you’ll find what you need in the forest to help you feel happy and healthy.  

Healthy activities

/sites/default/files/styles/convert_to_webp/public/sites/default/files/2023-07/Hicks%20Lodge%20Cycle%20Centre%20trail.jpg.webp?itok=LIJ1FaXG
Cycling
Breezing through the trees on a two-wheeled adventure is great for your physical and mental wellbeing, can easily be worked into your daily routine, and helps to boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress.
/sites/default/files/styles/convert_to_webp/public/sites/default/files/2023-07/Walking%20at%20Calke%20Abbey%20-%20Large%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=U8dojIFL
Walking
There are hundreds of miles of paths and trails to explore in the National Forest and walking is a great way to get outdoors, boost your mental wellbeing and is one of the most easy ways to get active.
/sites/default/files/styles/convert_to_webp/public/sites/default/files/2023-08/Forest%20Bathing-033_0.jpg.webp?itok=YtWgCT7q
Mindfulness
Forest bathing, a Japanese practice known as Shinrin Yoku, is simply immersing yourself in a forest setting and being present with nature, which is a wonderful way to calm our senses in a busy world.
/sites/default/files/styles/convert_to_webp/public/sites/default/files/2023-08/SH%20res%20sailing%20healing%20over2.JPG.webp?itok=xtJS-TJC
Watersports
The National Forest isn’t just trees; there are rivers, canals, reservoirs and lakes a-plenty. From gentle canoe paddles along canals and rivers to riding the wind across reservoirs by sailboat or windsurfer.

Places to get active

Reconnect with nature

The Forest is also the ideal setting to relax, slow down and reconnect with nature. Mindfulness and Forest bathing can be a great way to immerse yourself in a forest setting, be present with the natural world, calm your senses and let nature surprise you.  

Find out more
feature-image