What is ParkBathe?
ParkBathe is a peer-led nature well-being initiative offering one-hour free, guided forest bathing walks in urban parks. Designed to help people slow down, de-stress, and connect with nature, it provides an accessible way to experience the proven health benefits of Shinrin-Yoku – the Japanese practice of “forest bathing”.
How It Started
Launched in 2021 as a citizen-science project, ParkBathe set out to explore the impact of forest bathing on mental well-being. A study found that participants experienced a 40% reduction in anxiety and a 50% reduction in rumination (repetitive negative thinking), highlighting its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mood.
How it has Grown
Over the past three years, more than 1,200 people have joined ParkBathe walks across southeast London and the project has expanded into Lanarkshire too. What started as a research project has now evolved into a community-led movement, drawing even sceptic people into nature and training local volunteers to guide mindful walks and making well-being more accessible to all.
What is Forest Bathing?
Originating in Japan, Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴) means “bathing in the forest atmosphere.” It’s not about getting your steps up – it’s about slowing down, engaging the senses and being present in nature. Studies show that forest bathing can lower stress, boost immunity, and improve focus and emotional resilience.
Join a Walk
ParkBathe welcomes everyone, whether you’re a sceptic, a nature lover, or just curious to try something new. We even have dog-friendly and women-only sessions. Step outside, slow down and see your park with new eyes.
ParkBathe for Dementia: Connecting Through Nature
In partnership with MHA The Wilderness, ParkBathe has created a dementia-friendly forest bathing project, helping older people, those with dementia, carers, and family members connect through simple, sensory nature experiences.
Each session is designed to be gentle, accessible, and engaging, using mindful techniques to bring nature closer. From feeling the texture of leaves and bark to using a mirror to ‘bring the sky within reach’ for a gentleman with low vision, these moments spark nostalgia, memories, and connection
Many participants return week after week, finding comfort in the familiar setting and the warm, welcoming group. Everyone is invited to join – whether you have dementia, care for someone who does, or simply want to experience the calming benefits of nature.
Nature, Connection & Belonging: ParkBathe for Refugees
In collaboration with refugee charities, ParkBathe offers gentle, sensory nature walks to help asylum seekers find a sense of community, connection, and calm.
These walks provide a safe, welcoming space where refugees can slow down, explore their surroundings, and build confidence in a new environment. By engaging the senses and noticing seasonal changes, they expand their nature-based language and find new ways to express themselves and connect with others.
For many, these walks are moments of joy and relief in an uncertain time, offering a simple yet powerful way to feel grounded, included, and supported.
ParkBathe walk-leader training
Train team members to lead well-being ParkBathe walks for colleagues:
- Train up to ten team members to become walk leaders
- Guide sensory, mindful, forest bathing walks for peers
- Build confidence while creating a sustainable, accessible well-being resource
Empower your team with simple skills that improve connection, reduce stress, and support long-term well-being. No expertise needed—any team member can train up. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of slow walking in nature, shown to improve health and well-being.