About us
Spending time outdoors and connecting to nature is good for your health. Not just good, but essential. If you're feeling burnt out, stressed, overwhelmed and generally tired out, you'll be surprised how much better you can feel if you spend a bit of time in a woodland. Nature connection is part of a holistic approach to health and management of illness.
So many aspects of modern life are stressful; whether it's having lots of responsibilities and not much support, money worries and living in a debt based economy, or being stuck at a desk and a screen all day. (We blame capitalism A LOT).
We believe that the human body co-evolved with the natural world and that modern life has removed us from this aspect of ourselves. Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with nature. And we're here to help you do that.
At Woodland + Well we facilitate woodland walks, forest bathing and nature connection activities to boost your mood, raise your spirit and help you to feel a bit better.
The Benefits
De-stress
Long known and understood in the Japanese tradition of 'Shinrin-Yoku' or Forest Bathing, modern science has now proven that exposure to tree chemicals reduces stress in humans. (See more on that below)
Physical health
Gentle exercise through walking outdoors helps to reduce tension and blood pressure.
Mindfulness
Develop calmness, acceptance and presence in the current moment
Boost your immune system
Be amongst biodiversity, develop your own gut microbiome in positive ways.
Confidence
Develop positivity and an awareness of nature's abundance.
Connection & Purpose
A greater sense of connection to your self, to others and to the natural world.
We believe intuitively and through our own felt experience how important our connection to the natural world is. After all, humans are a part of nature and we have spent much more of our history in direct relationship with it, than we have in our modern digital age.
There is now measurable, scientific research to help back up these sorts of intuitions or feelings, so much so that in the UK we're seeing the development of 'Green Social Prescribing' to help people feel the benefits of nature based activity.
The benefits of hanging out with trees - Phytoncides and stress hormones:
US National Library of Medicine Research Article by Qing Li, 2009
Countryfile article, 'Why everyone can benefit from heading into the woods' 2017
University of Derby Article 2017 - Pathways to Nature Connection
How mud makes us happy - Mycobacterium Vaccae - From Soil to Serotonin:
UK Government's 'Green Social Prescribing':
Meet the Team
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FounderHi! I'm Ceri and I'm the lead host and facilitator at Woodland + Well. I've always felt a strong impulse to work for the benefit of society or in ways that connect people.
I've got over 15 years of experience in the public and charity sectors managing operations, events and community partnerships.
I've run a self-employed art practice for 20 years which has included facilitating classes and workshops for groups including in schools, at events, on walking tours and at my home studio.
Woodland + Well was created in response to my own longing for more connection with nature and it utilises my extensive experience in leading and planning operations, organising events and facilitating groups in a way that aligns deeply with my heart.