Forest Bathing at Lauriston: An Introduction to Mindfulness in Nature and Shinrin Yoku in Lauriston Castle Gardens

New for 2025 Join Dr Eve Hepburn on a relaxing forest bathing journey at Lauriston! Set within 30 acres of stunning woodlands and gardens, Lauriston Castle Gardens offers an enchanting space to slow down, leave your worries behind, and to connect with nature. Forest Bathing (from the Japanese ‘shinrin yoku’) is the calming experience of immersing yourself in nature under a canopy of trees, and being guided on a slow walk that encourages you to take in the forest through your senses. Drawing on the specific practices of ‘shinrin yoku’, you will be guided through a series of relaxing sensory, breathing and mindfulness exercises to help you fully connect with nature. On our session, we will explore the wonder and beauty of nature, the amazing world of trees, and better understand the science of how nature supports our wellbeing. In partnership with Eve, we will present six separate Forest Bathing sessions in 2025. The sessions will be mixed and participants will be guided in a number of sensory activities (using our sense of vision, touch, smell, taste and hearing) to explore nature. The focus is on relaxation, wonder, and wellbeing in nature. The meeting place at the Group Gathering area by the Car Park. We intend to use Lauriston Castle Gardens for these sessions but if the weather is inclement, we may have to reschedule. Please wear comfy clothing with sturdy shows, layers (if it’s cold), waterproofs in case it rains, and something to sit on outdoors.