Feel Good in the Forest is Forestry England’s new social prescribing project aimed at improving the physical and mental health of those in most need. The project is based in Chopwell Wood and Thames Chase Forest Centre.
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. We're running weekly walks at both sites and with sufficient interest we’ll be expanding the activities to include yoga, seated exercise, cycling and more.
About Feel Good in the Forest
Feel Good in the Forest is a supportive programme of activities for anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing, meet new people and enjoy being outdoors. People can self-refer or be referred by a support organisation or worker.
All activities are free to participants and include post activity refreshments and time to socialise.
For individuals
Feel Good in the Forest is open to any individual who is looking to improve their health and wellbeing. Contact us using the details at the bottom of this page.
For groups
Your organisation may prefer to join us for a closed session for your group. These sessions are also free and can be designed collaboratively with our friendly Active Forests Coordinators.
Reconnecting under the canopy
Get a taste for what Feel Good in the Forest is all about by watching the video below.
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. Find out what Feel Good activities are currently running.
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
Hear from Feel Good in the Forest participants
Forests provide an inspiring environment for a whole range of activities for people of all abilities and really will leave you ‘feeling good in the forest’! But don’t just take our word for it...
Read Lorraine's story to hear how she improved her physical and mental health by taking part in forest-based activities.
And find out from a participant at Chopwell Wood how she used the weekly walks to help her get back to 'normal' after shielding throughout the pandemic.
