Across our woodlands in the National Forest, Forestry England offer a variety of activities as part of the Feel Good in the Forest project. These activities are free to take part in and include optional time at the end for refreshments and socialising. You can self-refer to the project or be referred by a support organisation or worker.
Forestry England manage 17 woodlands across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire within the boundaries of the National Forest. Make sure to check the woodland each activity is in before booking!
Places are booked as a block of free sessions. You must book your space and register in advance to take part in these sessions.
Walking Talking Tuesdays with Peak Running
Join Peak Running for ‘Walking Talking Tuesdays’. Each Tuesday, explore a Forestry England woodland in the National Forest, guided by one of Peak Running’s expert leaders for a steady stroll in a welcoming, supportive group.
Dates and times
- 19 August, 9:30am, Sence Valley
- 2 September, 9:30am, Hicks Lodge
- 16 September, 9:30am, Bignalls, Jaguar & Allistair's Woods
- 30 September, 9:30am, Robin Wood
- 14 October, 9:30am, Hartshorne Wood
- 28 October, 9:30am, Gresley Woods
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
Guided Jogs with Peak Running
Led by experienced leaders, these sessions are suitable for those with little or no experience of jogging in the countryside. If you can complete a parkrun (5k) mostly jogging, you’ll be fine with this activity. If you’re not there yet, we recommend you join a guided walk first. The focus of these jogs will be on enjoying the forest and each other’s company, rather than speed.
Dates and times
- Saturday 30 August, 1:30pm, Hartshorne Woods
- Saturday 20 September, 1:30pm, Bignalls, Jaguar & Allistair's Woods
- Saturday 18 October, 1:30pm, Dimmingsdale (Churnet Valley)
Men's Movement Mondays with with Peak Running
The aim of these sessions is to create a safe, non-judgemental and non-competitive space that helps men with their mental health and physical wellbeing. This being through the simple acts of getting out for some physical activity in nature and chatting to/connecting with others. Open to anyone who identifies as male and is looking to get in better shape and socialise. Find out more about the sessions on Peak Running's website.
Dates and times
- Monday 11 August, 6:30pm, Hartshorne Woods
- Monday 8 September, 6:30pm, Gresley Woods
- Monday 13 October, 6:30pm, Robin Wood
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
| Date | Day | Time | Event |
| 05/08/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 11/08/2025 | Monday | 6:30pm | Men's Movement Monday - Hartshorne |
| 16/08/2025 | Saturday | 01:30pm | Saturday Lunchtime Jog- Gresley / Tunnel Woods |
| 19/08/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 27/08/2025 | Wednesday | 06:30pm | Wednesday Evening Jog- Hicks Lodge |
| 02/09/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 08/09/2025 | Monday | 6:30pm | Men's Movement Monday - Gresley Woods |
| 16/09/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 20/09/2025 | Saturday | 01:30pm | Saturday Lunchtime Jog- Staunton Harold |
| 24/09/2025 | Wednesday | 06:30pm | Wednesday Evening Jog- Hartshorne / Repton Shrubs |
| 30/09/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 13/10/2025 | Monday | 6:30pm | Men's Movement Monday - Ticknall |
| 14/10/2025 | Tuesday | 09:30am | Walking Talking Tuesday - TBC |
| 18/10/2025 | Saturday | 01:30pm | Saturday Lunchtime Jog- Dimmingsdale (Churnet Valley) |
| 28/10/25 | Tuesday | 06.30pm | Wednesday Evening Jog- Sence Valley |
| 29/10/2025 | Wednesday | 06:30pm | Wednesday Evening Jog- Sence Valley |
Wednesday evening jogs with Peak Running
These monthly evening jogs also have a walking option. The sessions will be led by experienced leaders and head or chest torches will be used. The focus of these jogs will be on enjoying the surroundings and each other’s company, rather than speed.
Dates and times
- 27 August, 6:30pm, Hicks Lodge
- 20 September, 6:30pm, TBC
- 28 October, 6:30pm, Sence Valley
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
Stroll and Stretch and Stride and Stretch at Hicks Lodge
Join Wild Minds on an eight-week programme of accessible exercise, designed to build habits and learn routines you can continue at home.
These 1 hour sessions are led by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit all needs. Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk.
Dates and times (Stroll and Stretch)
- Thursdays, weekly at 9:30am, 29 September - 12 November
- Mondays, weekly at 9:30am, 5 January - 23 February
Dates and times (Stride and Stretch)
- Thursdays, weekly at 11am, 29 September - 12 November
- Mondays, weekly at 9:30am, 15 January - 5 March
- Mondays, weekly at 11am, 9 February - 30 March
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Forest Bathing at Hicks Lodge Forest Centre
Join Wild Minds for a relaxing and rejuvenating eight-week programme of forest bathing for wellbeing at Hicks Lodge. Learn the art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and slow down your pace of life to benefit your physical and mental health.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays weekly at 9am 7 January - 4 March 2026 (1 hour sessions)
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Nature Journaling at Hicks Lodge
Wild Mind’s nature journaling workshops are perfect for beginners and beyond. You'll learn to explore your creative side and deepen your experience with nature whist taking in the sights, smells and sounds of spring in the forest.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays weekly at 12pm, 3 September - 22 October 2025
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Mindful Meanders with LLR Mind at Hicks Lodge
Join Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Mind for a relaxed stroll along the trails at Hicks Lodge, followed by a complementary hot drink and a chat in the cafe. Enjoy the natural surroundings, meet some new people, and take part in gentle physical activity to improve your mood.
Dates and times
- Every fourth Tuesday of the month: 10.30am
Booking information
No booking needed. The group meets outside the cafe at Hicks Lodge. More information on the LLR Mind website.
Forest Bathing Walks at Sence Valley
Join Better Outdoors on a gentle walk through the woodland. You'll be guided through a series of prompts to help you tune into your senses and take the time to slow down and connect with nature.
Dates and times
- Sunday 16 March: 1.30-2.45pm
- Sunday 27 April: 10am-12 noon
- Sunday 15 June: 1.30-2.45pm
- Sunday 27 July: 10am-12 noon
- Sunday 14 September: 1.30-2.45pm
Booking information
Booking is essential. Please book tickets via this link.
T'ai-Ga at Hicks Lodge
Join Wild Minds for mindful movement combining the ancient practices of T'ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. T'ai-Ga incorporates exercises from all disciplines to aid flexibility, strength and balance along with some mindfulness and relaxation. These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays weekly at 9am, 3 September - 22 October
- Wednesdays weekly at 12pm, 5 November - 17 December
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Eco Nidra Yoga with Better Outdoors at Sence Valley
Eco Nidra is a beautiful blend of elements taken from restorative Yoga Nidra combined with nature connection and Forest Therapy. Eco Nidra can support feelings of wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting mental, emotional and physical relaxation and improving sleep quality. Alongside these benefits you may find you are more able to enhance your sense of connection to self, others and nature, sow some seeds of intention and also enjoy promoting kindness to yourself, your communities and the natural world.
Dates and times
- Mondays weekly at 6:30 - 7:45pm, 11 August - 15 September
Costs £10 pp. To book, email connect@betteroutdoors.org or visit the Eco Nidra website.
T'ai-Qi for Wellbeing @ Hicks Lodge Forest Centre (2026)
T'ai Chi is a non-competitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and significant health benefits. Qigong is a traditional Chinese practice that involves movement, breathing, and meditation to improve health and well-being. As a form of exercise, it combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness. Our one-hour sessions allow you to spend time following the gentle movements of T’ai Chi & Qigong, and find calm in this moving meditation. You do not need anything for these sessions, just clothes that allow movement and the willingness to give something new a try.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays weekly at 12pm, 28 January - 25 March 2026
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Waggy Tails Woodland Wellbeing @ Hicks Lodge Forest Centre
We all spend a lot of time out in the woods with our four-legged friends, but how often do you notice the nature around you whilst out with your dog? Join the Wild Minds Team for a relaxing and rejuvenating programme of woodland wellbeing with a twist. Learn how to use nature to slow down your pace of life whilst out with your four-legged friends. One-hour sessions.
- Wednesdays weekly at 9am, 5 November - 10 December
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725