Our leisurely Nature Therapy walks are carried out in Surrey Wildlife Trust nature reserves across the county.
"Newlands Corner is a popular reserve with superb views of the surrounding countryside. There are 103 hectares (255 acres) of open chalk downland and peaceful woodlands to explore. The woodlands here are mixed, with some deciduous trees like oak and birch, plus evergreen yew. Some of the yew trees are hundreds of years old. The woods shelter roe deer and are home to green woodpeckers, nuthatches and tawny owls."
We will spend the majority of our time exploring an ancient Yew Tree Grove; this area has a wonderfully serene atmosphere. We have selected Newlands Corner as it offers a rare chance to explore a large Yew Tree Grove, sadly most have been lost over the ages! Once you have experienced the area you will understand why we have fallen in love with it; we take great joy from sharing this space with others and watching their enjoyment.
ABOUT NATURE THERAPY:
Nature Therapy, as defined and practiced by Holistic Healing Therapy, is a type of relaxation involving spending time in nature to promote health and well-being. We combine different practices including mindfulness, grounding, and natural aromatherapy; using short exercises we also encourage the development and use of various senses. We aim to give you an opportunity to stop and look at life from a larger perspective. We have been inspired by forest bathing, currently widely practiced for its therapeutic properties in Japan and the USA.
In Japan, a forest bathing trip is called Shinrin-yoku.
"A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in (wood essential oils). Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_bathing
Some of the scientifically proven benefits of spending time in nature include reduced stress levels, stronger immune system response, and a stabilised cortisol cycle. You can read more about the benefits of Nature Therapy on our website http://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/
