Mindful Nordic Walking and Forest Bathing

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.

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.

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.