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.
Guided walks and jogs with Jog Derbyshire
These sessions will be led by our experienced leaders and are suitable for those with little or no prior experience of jogging or walking in the countryside. If you’re capable of completing a parkrun (5k) mostly jogging, you’ll be fine on any of the activities. If you’re not quite there yet, we recommend you join a guided walk first. As with our Trail Therapy activities, the focus on all of these sessions will be on enjoying the surroundings and each others company, rather than speed.
Booking information
For more information, dates and times and to book your free places, visit the Jog Derbyshire web page
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 one 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
Thursdays, weekly 9:30-10:30
08 October - 26 November
Wednesdays, weekly 9:00 – 10:00am
13 January - 3 March
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
Wednesdays, weekly, 9:30 – 10:30am:
2 September - 11 November, 2026
Wednesdays, weekly, 12 – 1pm:
6 January - 17 March 2027
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.