OASES North East have pioneered the delivery of forest bathing programmes specifically with children. This pilot project allowed OASES forest bathing leaders to deliver mini programmes in two schools in County Durham in the school grounds and at local nature sites. OASES found the children felt calmer and more relaxed following their time forest bathing.
OASES forest school leaders worked with KS2 children from Easington Colliery CE Primary and Bloemfontein Primary schools. The children took part in activities in their school grounds and at Castle Eden Dene and South Stanley Woods. The activities were designed to help the children connect to the natural world around them and spending time in the natural environment and seeking to appreciate the natural beauty and to observe the tiny details we usually overlook.
Studies have shown that time spent in nature produces a therapeutic effect on the body’s nervous and immune systems as well as enhancing psychological wellbeing. Children connect to nature in a different way to adults and OASES staff have been developing activities that allow children to find these benefits in their own way.
