Feel Good in the National Forest

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.

Feel Good in the Forest with Peak Running

Walking Talking Tuesdays

Dates and times

17 December - Hicks Lodge
07 January - Robin Wood (from Ticknall), 09:30am 
21 January - Hartshorne Wood, 09:30am 
04 February - Gresley, Swainspark & Tunnel Woods, 09:30am 
08 February - Sence Valley, 09:30am 
04 March - Staunton Harold (Bignalls, Alistair’s & Jaguar Lount Woods), 09:30am 
18 March - Hicks Lodge, 09:30am  

Activity details

Join Peak Running for ‘Walking Talking Tuesdays’! Each week, explore a Forestry England in the National Forest woodland guided by one of Peak Running’s expert leaders for a steady stroll in a welcoming, supportive group!

Booking information

For more information and to book your free places, visit:  peakrunning.co.uk/feel-good-in-the-forest

Saturday Guided Jogs

Dates and times

14 December - Staunton Harold (Bignalls, Alistair’s & Jaguar Lount Woods), 12:30pm
18 January - Sence Valley, 12:30pm
15 February - Seale Wood (from Overseal), 12:30pm
15 March - Dimmingsdale, 12:30pm

Activity details

These sessions will be led Peak Running’s experienced leaders and are suitable for those with little or no prior experience of jogging 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. The focus on all of these sessions will be on enjoying the surroundings and each other’s company, rather than speed.

Booking information

For more information and to book your free places, visit: peakrunning.co.uk/feel-good-in-the-forest
 

Wednesday evening jogs 

Dates and times

18 December, 6:30pm
29 January, 6:30pm
26 February, 6:30pm
26 March, 6:30pm 

Activity details

A monthly jog on a Wednesday evening with a walking option. These will be in darkness using head/chest torches and led Peak Running’s experienced leaders. The focus on all of these sessions will be on enjoying the surroundings and each other’s company, rather than speed.

Booking information

For more information and to book your free places, visit: peakrunning.co.uk/feel-good-in-the-forest
 

Stride and Stretch at Hicks Lodge Forest Centre

Dates and times

Every Monday from 6 January to 24 February 2025, 9.30-10.30am.

Thursdays 06, 13, 20, and 27 February, 06, 13,20 and 27 March at 09:30.
 

Activity details

Join Wild Minds on an eight-week programme of accessible exercise for all, designed to build habits and learn routines you can continue at home.

These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending. 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.

Booking information

To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725

T'ai Ga at Hicks Lodge Forest Centre

Dates and times

More dates soon.

Activity details

Join Wild Minds on an eight-week programme of 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.

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

Dates and times

Every Wednesday from 8 January to 26 February 2025, 12.00-1.00pm.

Activity details

Join Wild Minds for a relaxing, rejuvenating and re-wilding 8 week programme of forest bathing for wellbeing at Hicks Lodge. Learn the art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and how you can slow down your pace of life for the benefit of your physical and mental health & wellbeing.

Booking information

To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725

Nature Journalling at Hicks Lodge Forest Centre

Dates and times

9am-10am: Wednesdays:  19 &26 February, 5, 12,19 & 26 March, 2&9 April.

Activity details

Wild Mind’s nature journaling workshops are perfect for beginners and all abilities. They will help you explore your creative side and deepen your experience with nature whist taking in the sights, smells and sounds of nature in springtime at Hicks Lodge.

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

10:30am every fourth Tuesday of the month

Activity details

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 centre’s cafe. Enjoy the natural surroundings, meet some new people, and take part in gentle physical activity to improve your mood.

Booking information

 No need to book. The group meets outside the cafe (what3words – degree.dragons.rephrase) at 10:30am every 4th Tuesday (from Tuesday 27 August).

Find out more

Woodcraft for Wellbeing at Sence Valley

Dates and times

Weekly on Wednesdays. From 2 April to 7 May 2025. 10am to 12noon.

Activity details

Woodcraft for Wellbeing 6-week course at Sence Valley with Better Outdoors -  an outdoor nature-based programme to support mental health and wellbeing. Join us to spend time enjoying and exploring part of the peaceful Sence Valley Forest Park, connecting with new people, learning some self-care and mindfulness strategies and getting creative with natural crafts and skills. 

Light refreshments will be provided but please bring your own cup.

Additional Information

There are only 10 places available so we hope that most people will be present for all 6 sessions. If you would like to take part but have a commitment to other events or holidays for more than one of the sessions, please get in touch to let us know.

We know that sometimes it can be quite daunting to be in a new place meeting new people. Being outdoors helps to reduce some of these pressures and we find that members of our groups are usually quite relaxed by the end of the first session. You are best placed to know what things are likely to stress you and equally, what you find supportive. If there is anything that you would like us to know before the session, please get in touch. We will also be happy to have a call with you beforehand if you'd like to talk it through. Please email connect@betteroutdoors.org to arrange a time.

Booking essential - click here

Forest Bathing Walks at Sence Valley

Dates and times

Activity details

Forest Bathing at Sence Valley with Better Outdoors - time to slow down and leave behind the everyday stresses of life. Tune into your senses and notice more of what surrounds you, while your busy mind takes a break. As part of the walk, you will be gently guided through a series of open invitations that prompt you to become more present in the moment, connecting with nature and the beautiful woodland. Meeting point information is given in the booking info.

Booking information

Booking is essential, please visit