The grant from Mid Durham AAP has funded Forest Bathing sessions for pupils in 4 schools. These sessions were an early intervention and preventative support strategy that enabled children to connect with nature for the benefit of their wellbeing and to use breathing and stretching techniques to help them feel calm.
Forest Bathing sessions involve taking time to notice what they can see, hear and feel and undertaking activities enabling deeper immersion in, and exploration of, the natural environment.
Breathing and stretching techniques to help the children to feel calm as they focus on being in the moment. Sit spots – choosing a place in the woodland to have a have a quiet moment by themselves to stop, notice and listen to the woodland. A drink, chat, reflection and transition back into the school day.
OASES worked with Durham County Council’s Emotional Wellbeing and Effective Learning service (EWEL) and CAMHS Piece of Mind team. They are very interested in the benefits of the outdoors on mental health and will support this project by helping the schools identify those who will take part and supporting session delivery.
As part of this project, one member of staff from each school and two others from either EWEL, Piece of Mind or another wellbeing service working with the schools, will be trained to Level 3 in Forest Bathing. These staff will also support OASES staff in the delivery of the Forest Bathing sessions. This will equip the schools and others working with children and young people to continue to use Forest Bathing techniques to support children and young people to develop practices that increase their wellbeing and improve mental health.
Emerging research shows the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
An NHS Digital report in 2020 concluded that out of 3570 children, one in six aged 5 to 16 years
were identified as having a probable mental disorder, increasing from one in nine in 2017. This
increase in mental health difficulties is reflected in anecdotal evidence from school staff and
increased referrals to mental health support services.
Time spent in nature has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Evaluation of our own
projects based on 66 pupil evaluations 97% reported feeling happy, calm or relaxed in forest
bathing sessions. See quotes below:
“Before I come I am all angry because I get frustrated with myself. When we have finished the
forest bathing I feel calm and I am happy.’
“I like walking around and exploring. Feel fresh after forest bathing and have a better mood.”
