Join Nick and Catherine from Healthy Nature Healthy You for a restorative weekend creating connections in nature.
During the weekend you will experience the practice of Shinrin-Yoku (also known as Forest Bathing), a Japanese practice of spending time in a woodland environment to improve health and wellbeing through gentle activities that reawaken the senses and deepen our relationship with the natural world. Forest Bathing offers a myriad of health benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, enhanced immune function, improved sleep, heightened mental focus and clarity, better cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and valuable opportunities for creating connections in nature that support long-term wellbeing.
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In your Forest Bathing retreat, you will be invited to make a conscious decision to slow down and disconnect from the ever-increasingly digital world. You will be guided through a range of activities including mindful walking, focussed attention and connecting with Nature. It isn’t a hike, but a gentle walk; there are no set goals, just curiosity, awareness and letting yourself be open to experiencing the awe and wonder of being in the outdoors and immersing yourself in the environment around you.
This experience is suitable for those who would like to deepen their connection to Nature and those who are wanting to establish their connection
About the tutors
Catherine and Nick Rainbird
Born in Yorkshire, Catherine was never far from the moorlands, which was the start of her connection with Nature. Nature has been at the root of her creative work which began at Bretton Hall in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. From there she worked as a community artist before moving into education; following this she trained as an art therapist, eco-psychotherapist, Forest School leader and Forest Bathing practitioner. Catherine’s passion is connecting her curiosity in Nature with her creative work, which has become central to her mindful practice.
Nick has a 20 year background in personal training and exercise referral but has always had a passion for spending time in natural, particularly forested, environments. This led to a change of direction and in more recent years he has qualified as a Wellbeing in Nature facilitator, Forest Bathing practitioner, and a Wim Hof Method certified instructor. All his work is shamanically informed as he believes in the interrelatedness of all things in Nature. His Nature connection work includes leading Forest Bathing sessions across various sites, mini woodland safaris, walking groups and environmental talks and presentations to a range of audiences.
About Flatford Mill
Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.
Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.
Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.
Explore our range of wellbeing and nature courses hosted by our engaging tutors and learn from their expertise and knowledge. Our nature experiences are a chance to meet like-minded people, a chance to unwind from everyday life, and a great opportunity to experience the UK’s glorious wildlife and the surrounding countryside of our field centres.
This course is open to participants aged 18 and over only. For under-18s, please contact the centre directly or see our young people courses and activities for families.
Example Timetable
Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.
You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.
What's Included
Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring a packed lunch with you.
Before You Attend
What to bring
All materials needed will be provided. However, the weather cannot be guaranteed so we strongly suggest you bring clothing to suit all conditions. Please also bring any personal medication and a water bottle.








