Join Tansy in the wild for a nourishing midsummer retreat to RECONNECT WITH YOUR BREATH, YOUR BODY, YOUR CREATIVITY AND THE GENTLE CLARITY THAT NATURE OFFERS.
Join me for a nourishing and soul-soothing midsummer retreat designed to help you reconnect with your breath, your body, your creativity, and with Nature. This special day will gently guide you into the calm and clarity that midsummer offers, through a blend of Qigong-inspired breathwork, immersive Forest Bathing, and free-flow journaling beneath the trees.
We’ll begin with gentle breathwork and mindful movement to help you arrive fully and connect with your body. From there, we’ll move into a peaceful Forest Bathing experience, opening the senses and creating space for calm, clarity and intuitive reflection. You’ll be invited to notice the quality of your thoughts in Nature, many people find the natural world helps them access deeper insight, creativity and peace.
With your senses awakened and your mind settled, we’ll turn to journaling. You’ll receive simple yet powerful prompts to help guide your reflections, whether you’re setting intentions for the second half of the year, capturing new realisations, writing poetry, or simply exploring what flows through your pen. You’ll also be welcome to wander off into quiet spaces to write, doodle, or simply be.
Includes campfire lunch and refreshments.
FOREST BATHING IS A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE MINDFULNESS-BASED PRACTICE OF WALKING SLOWLY AND ATTENTIVELY IN NATURE AND CONNECTING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ALL OF YOUR SENSES
The name Forest Bathing is a translation of the Japanese term 'Shinrin Yoku' which literally means Forest Bath. The meaning of this is to bathe in the atmosphere of the Forest and does not refer to any physical kind of swimming or bathing.
The Japanese began Forest bathing back in the 80s and today there are Forest Bathing Guides all over the world guiding people back into Nature to find peace, deep relaxation, connection and meaning. The practice has now been subject to a vast amount of research and has been scientifically proven to be an effective support for mental health illness and physical/emotional health and wellbeing too.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In a forest bathing session, you will be invited to connect with Nature through a variety of simple exercises or reflections. This usually involves participants spending time quietly sitting or standing and observing the environment around them. As the guide, I share the principles and insights of the practice and invite you to try simple sensory exercises. The forest is very much the therapist and what people see, feel, and experience is unique to the individual. Some exercises are quiet and introspective whilst others are more fun and playful.
There are opportunities to share insights and observations but this is not expected or forced. I also hold a tea ceremony at the end with some healthy snacks and a chance to reflect and process your experience.
Places are limited as group sizes are kept small. The space at Hever is very flat and the distance covered is short because the focus is on slowing down and paying attention. This makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No previous experience in mindfulness or forest bathing is required. All are welcome.
Please note the nearest toilets to the space are a 10 min walk away at the Golf Club.
Otherwise, we go wild.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
SCHEDULE
10:20am – Meet at the parking location (details provided upon booking)
10:30am – Short introduction and gentle walk into the woods
10:50am – Forest Bathing session begins
12:30pm – Campfire lunch with herbal & wild teas and healthy snacks
1:30pm – Closing circle and reflection
2:00pm – Unhurried return walk through the woods
3:00pm – Farewell and return to the parking location
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Sensible comfortable clothes and supportive shoes
Warm comfortable clothes
Warm Waterproof jacket advisable in case of light showers
Blanket for extra warmth if you like.
Water to stay hydrated
I will provide some snacks but you are welcome to bring additional
I provide a waterproof sit-mat and have waterproof ponchos you can use as an extra layer if you like.
In every Forest Bathing workshop, I have held, I am always deeply grateful to see a look of peace and contentment on the faces of the participants as they leave the forest. In our fast-paced lives, we rarely get the chance to find this kind of tranquillity and connection and it can be a very moving and comforting experience.
BOOKING INFO
£55 PER PERSON INC REFRESHMENTS
You can book your place via the button below.
When you book you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a health and safety form. You will also receive a reminder email a few days before the event.
“I did not expect to have such a powerful experience with Forest Bathing. I enjoy being in Nature and well-being so was curious to try and it definitely delivered. I felt so incredibly calm and at peace. I completely lost track of time and got lost in the moment. Tansy was very friendly and professional and lead us on a magical journey. I will definitely be back!”
— Vanessa - Sevenoaks
About Tansy Jane Dowman
Tansy is a People Walker and Nature Connector. She believes deeply that connection to Mother Nature is a direct pathway of reconnection with your soul, your inner wild self and your true nature. As a certified Shinrin Yoku Guide and Natural Mindfulness Teacher, she is driven by a purpose to reignite our relationship with this majestic planet we inhabit. To return to our place of origin and discover a sense of belonging that is waiting for us when we are ready to acknowledge and embrace our deeper connection to the wild.
Also an outdoor empowerment coach for women, Tansy walks alongside her clients on their journey of personal evolution. Nature connection is at the core of her work, her passion, even her name which is a wildflower.
Tansy holds a variety of workshops, retreats and walks all centred around finding a connection to Nature and the self.
About Hever
This workshop will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
Tickets
Places are limited and cost £55pp