Feel Good in the Forest is a green social prescribing project based at Chopwell Wood and Thames Chase Forest Centre. Green social prescribing links people to nature-based activities such as walking and community gardening. GPs and other health and social care professionals, including social prescribing link workers, can refer people to take part in these ‘green activities’ to help them improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. They’re also a great way to meet new people and learn new skills!
At Forestry England we know that taking part in forest activities encourages people to become more active, increases confidence, helps maintain a healthy weight and can alleviate symptoms of long-term health conditions.
But don’t just take our word for it, let’s see what the Feel Good in the Forest participants at Thames Chase and Chopwell have to say…
Why did you get involved with Feel Good in the Forest?
"I was looking to meeting new people and improve my health and well-being" Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
“when Covid started I wasn’t meeting people and that’s why I wanted to come and start meeting people” Chopwell Wood Feel Good in the Forest participant
"Attending the sessions gives me something to look forward to in these crazy time" Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
"The exercise will help my diabetes and I wanted to visit new places" Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
"Getting out into the natural environment improves my mood." Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
What do you enjoy most about Feel Good in the Forest?
“For me initially it was about the people and I still enjoy the chat, but now it’s the walk so for an hour you don’t think about anything else but your surroundings. It’s a different atmosphere every week, isn’t it, depending on the weather and the time of year.” Chopwell Wood Feel Good in the Forest participant
“Walking through the countryside it’s lovely, the trees and also talking to people, I think it brings you out of yourself and I really feel I’ve benefited from it.” Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
“you walk through the parks and the trees and it kind of gives you a sense of wellbeing. You can come here feeling really down sometimes but the moment you walk through that and you’ve spoken to people, you go home feeling completely different.” Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
What benefits have you experienced since doing Feel Good in the Forest?
“I think you need structure in your day particularly if you are on your own.” Chopwell Wood Feel Good in the Forest participant
“...once I got here and walked around I just forgot everything that went on this morning and think 'why did I have a bad morning', it clears your head.” Chopwell Wood Feel Good in the Forest participant
“I always used to be very active [but] for the last five years it’s gone down to practically nothing, but then coming here has then led onto other things.” Thames Chase Feel Good in the Forest participant
How can you get involved?
If you’re interested in finding out more about Feel Good in the Forest and the activities on offer, please contact your local Active Forests Coordinator.