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.
For dates, 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
For more information, dates and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
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
- For more information, dates and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
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.
Booking information
For more information, dates and times 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)
More dates coming soon, check back for more information!
Dates and times (Stride and Stretch)
More dates coming soon, check back for more information!
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
More dates coming soon, check back for more information!
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 while taking in the sights, smells and sounds of spring in the forest.
Dates and times
More dates coming soon, check back for more information!
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 complimentary
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.
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
More dates coming soon, check back for more information!
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
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. Get in touch via info_nationalforest@forestryengland.uk for more information.
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. Whether you have just a few moments or the capacity to lead a larger initiative, get in touch via info_nationalforest@forestryengland.uk to find out how Feel Good in the Forest can benefit your service users and communities.