Forest Bathing

Event Information

A chance to Forest Bathe in a small guided group in southeast London’s largest park, Beckenham Place Park.

Located in the south of the London Borough of Lewisham, the park is home to many veteran trees and large areas of ancient woodland. Despite being easily accessible by public transport, it is a real escape from the city and perfect for practicing Shinrin-yoku.

Shinrin-yoku literally translates as forest-bathing, the Japanese art of taking in the forest atmosphere. It is an opportunity to build your connection to nature, increasing a sense of empathy, and in turn reducing stress and anxiety.

In our busy, modern lives, we can become ‘stuck in our heads’, distracted and disconnected with social media, email, technology, binge-viewing, gaming, work, shopping… the list goes on. Forest Bathing helps you take some time slow down, to enhance your senses and use them to feel nature in a deeper way.

While forest bathing usually takes place in larger, wild woodland or forest, I am keen to show how some of the techniques can be used in our urban green spaces, which sometimes, is all we have available to us. Beckenham Place Park can be quite busy at times, but we shall work together to make the most the nature that is right in front of us.

The bathe is a gentle walk through the park, around one mile over 2 hours. It is not exercise, or a hike. You don’t need any special equipment; just clothing that helps you stay comfortable in our variable climate. Please bear in mind that you may spend some time staying still, sitting or lying down.

Nature is the expert here; Andrew Jenkins will act as a guide to help you acquire some ideas and ways in which to practice. The event is free but booking is essential as numbers are limited (6 or 10 depending on the time of the session). The exact meeting point within Beckenham Place Park will be sent to those registered to attend. 

Contributor

Andrew Jenkins is a psychotherapist in private practice based in Central London and Beckenham, specialising in addictions, trauma, and nature therapy. He also provides organisational counselling services, teaches to Post Graduate Diploma level and supervises trainee psychotherapists. As well as his core analytic training, Andrew also has trainings in EMDR, CBT, and Nature based therapy. Prior to his 15 years in private practice, Andrew was employed as a senior manager in substance misuse services in Camden and Islington. Prior to this he worked as a probation officer specialising in high risk offending behaviours. He lives on the edge of Beckenham Place Park with his partner, and has been walking his two dogs there for the last seven years. 

Lewisham Council

Lewisham Council officers are working in conjunction with local volunteers to deliver walks through some lesser-known areas of the borough.