Mindful Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing

Connecting People with Nature

Mentored by

Charlotte Atkinson

Connecting People with Nature

Collection links

Captains Wood Car Park, Woodbridge

Ages: 18+ years

Standard ticket £15

Next date: None - Register your interest

Mindful Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing block mentored by Charlotte Atkinson

A summary

Step into the calming woodland of Captain’s Wood, Sudbourne, for a gentle morning of mindful movement and nature connection. This session blends the rhythmic flow of Nordic Walking with the restorative practices of forest bathing, creating a moving meditation that nurtures both body and mind. We’ll move at a relaxed pace, pausing along the way to notice the sights, sounds, and textures of the forest. You’ll have time to breathe deeply, feel the rhythm of your steps and poles and fully immerse yourself in the woodland atmosphere. Gentle invitations to observe light through the trees, listen to birdsong, or touch the textures of bark and moss help deepen the experience. This is not about distance or speed, but about slowing down, connecting with nature, and enjoying the peaceful woodland environment. The session is suitable for anyone comfortable with Nordic Walking technique and is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, centred, and recharged. Nordic Walking poles can be borrowed if needed.

About your mentor

Charlotte Atkinson

Connecting People with Nature

Charlotte has over 25 years’ experience of working with children, schools and families as a primary school teacher, headteacher, educational consultant, Forest School Leader and trainer. She is a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner with over 10 years' experience of leading Forest School sessions with children aged 2-11 years. Charlotte is a Forest School Association (FSA) endorsed trainer and trainer assessor. In addition to her Forest School expertise Charlotte is a qualified Forest Bathing guide, offers nature-based coaching and wellbeing sessions and is a Nordic Walking instructor; which are testament to her love of the outdoors!

Session Information

Captain's Wood is a nature reserve owned and managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and located in the village of Sudbourne. Walk into Captain's Wood and you step back hundreds of years into a woodland habitat of ancient trees and wild flowers where deer roam freely, barn owls hunt the clearings and ten species of bat feed amongst the trees. In Spring, Captain’s Wood exhibits one of the most astonishing displays of bluebells to be found anywhere in Suffolk. The woodland habitat varies from mostly open wood pasture with oak and birch to a large stand of almost pure hazel, clumps of mature Scots pine and lines of planted sweet chestnut. Veteran oak trees are found throughout much of the wood pasture, supporting several species of fungi and invertebrates which are dependent on the slowly rotting heartwood, notably the fungus 'oak polypore' that is only known from six other sites in Britain. In addition to the ancient wood pasture are small fields and scrub. The land has been left fallow and has developed into a wonderful mosaic of rough grassland, scrub and woodland. The fallow deer play a crucial role in keeping this land open. We will meet at the nature reserve FREE car park (IP12 2BE) at 10am. To get to the car park from Sudbourne village, take School Road heading east and the car park is 400m beyond the entrance to the nature reserve on the right-hand side. If the car park is full, please DO NOT park on School Lane. There is a circular pedestrian trail (3km) around the reserve which we will follow. It is level and generally dry but can be damp and rough in places so please wear sturdy walking shoes.

Learning aims

Aim 1

Develop Mindful Movement Learn to walk with awareness of posture, stride, and breath using Nordic Walking poles, integrating rhythm and body alignment for both physical and mental calm.

Aim 3

Experience Stress Reduction and Calm Use the combination of rhythmic movement and sensory pauses to activate relaxation, lower stress, and support emotional wellbeing.

Aim 5

Foster Appreciation and Observation of the Natural Environment Develop skills to observe and respond to seasonal changes, plant and wildlife cues, and the rhythms of the woodland, building a mindful and respectful connection with nature.

Aim 2

Enhance Sensory Awareness in Nature Practice noticing sights, sounds, textures, and smells in the woodland environment to deepen connection with nature and encourage present-moment awareness.

Aim 4

Connect Breath and Movement Explore how coordinated breathing with walking and pole use enhances focus, energy flow, and a sense of centredness.

About Nordic Bathing

Nordic Bathing is a unique blend of Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing, designed to combine gentle physical movement with mindful connection to nature. While Nordic Walking uses poles to engage the whole body and improve posture, balance, and breathing, Forest Bathing (or Shinrin-yoku) encourages slowing down, observing the natural environment and immersing your senses in the woodland. During a Nordic Bathing session, you’ll walk at a relaxed, comfortable pace, with pauses to notice the sights, sounds, and textures of the forest. You might be invited to listen closely to birdsong, feel the bark of trees, watch sunlight dancing through the leaves, or simply breathe in the fresh woodland air. The practice is restorative rather than strenuous - it’s not about distance or speed, but about moving mindfully, calming the nervous system, and reconnecting with nature. It is ideal for those seeking a gentle, meditative outdoor experience that supports both physical and mental wellbeing.

Pricing information

Ticket namePriceInformation

Ticket nameStandard ticket

Price£15

InformationPlease book one ticket per person

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LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections

Where we'll be

Captains Wood Car Park, 39-44 School Road, Woodbridge, England, IP12 2BE

WHAT’S PROVIDED

Equipment

Safety

Enhanced DBS

Basic DBS

Risk Assessment

Public Liability Insurance

Safeguarding Training

First Aid Training

First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.