Feel Good in the Forest is a supportive programme of activities for people with mild-to-moderate health conditions, or for those who are looking to improve their health and wellbeing, to meet new people and enjoy being outdoors. People can self-refer or be referred by a social prescribing link worker or support organisation.
We were delighted to be one of three projects shortlisted for the Best Nature Based Social Prescribing Project in the International Social Prescribing Awards 2024. Read on to discover more about the programme and where activities are currently taking place.
About Feel Good in the Forest
Feel Good in the Forest helps people to be more active, boost their resilience, find restoration and connection with nature, and feel empowered and included.
We develop the activities with local communities meaning the offer at different sites varies. All activities are supportive, sociable and free or low-cost.
Feel good for individuals
Feel Good in the Forest is open to any individual with mild-to-moderate health conditions or who is looking to improve their health and wellbeing. You can self-refer or be referred by a support worker.
Feel good for groups
If you work for an organisation or are part of a community group, you may prefer to join us for a closed session with your group members only. These sessions are free and we’ll design them with you.
Feel good for health professionals and community workers
Health professionals and community workers play a vital role in encouraging people to connect with nature for their wellbeing. Find out more with the training opportunities and resources below.
Online training module
Become a Feel Good in the Forest champion by completing our short, free online training module. This course includes a summary of evidence showing the health and wellbeing benefits of nature, and activities to connect your service users (and yourself) with nature at home, in healthcare settings and outside. You can request a certificate at the end too by emailing us.
Training sessions in the forest
Get outside with a wellbeing and training session for health and care professionals. Read about the Feel Good in the Forest day delivered with NHS England’s East of England Enhance Programme, and contact us about arranging a similar session for your team.
Bring the forest indoors
Bring nature into your healthcare setting with our virtual forest hub. You can also download, print and display our 'escape to the forest' poster, featuring a QR code that takes users to a video playlist of relaxing forest scenery. It's perfect for putting up in waiting areas, staff rooms and on wards.
How to contact us
For more information about how our team can support you to bring Feel Good in the Forest to your service users, or to arrange any training sessions, please email us on feelgood@forestryengland.uk.
Feel Good in the Forest locations and contacts
If you’re interested in finding out more about the programme and the activities on offer, please contact the Active Forests Coordinator at the site you are attending.
Chopwell Wood
Chopwell Wood is about 10 miles south west of Gateshead.
Lucy Brenkley is the Active Forests Coordinator for Chopwell. Contact her on 07771 885084 or lucy.brenkley@forestryengland.uk
Thames Chase
Forestry England manages 10 community woodlands in the outer London Borough of Havering and in Thurrock, Essex (Bonnetts Wood, Berwick Glades, Cely Woods, Harold Court Woods, Folkes Lane, Ingrebourne Hill, Mardyke Woods, Pages Wood, Thames Chase Forest Centre, and Tylers Wood).
Georgina Bunner is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for Thames Chase sites. Contact her on 07775 019588 or georgina.bunner@forestryengland.uk
The National Forest
Forestry England manage 17 woodlands across the National Forest in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Our Feel Good in the Forest hub sites are Hicks Lodge near Ashby de la Zouch & Sence Valley in Ibstock.
Callum Smith is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for National Forest sites. Contact him on 07901 008142 or info_nationalforest@forestryengland.uk
Guisborough Forest
Guisborough Forest is about 8 miles south-east of Middlesborough.
Lorna Routledge is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for Guisborough Forest. Contact her on 07570 246912 or lorna.routledge@forestryengland.uk
Visit the We Are Undefeatable website to find information and resources on how to get started, stay motivated and enjoy moving more when living with a health condition.
