About Us & Our Services – Jord Forest Therapy

What are the benefits of Forest Therapy?

Scientists across the world are researching and identifying the benefits of Forest Therapy, some of which include:

Reduce Blood Pressure

Lower stress

Improve cardiovascular and metabolic health

Help you to lose weight

Lower blood-sugar levels

Improve concentration and memory

Lift depression

Increase anticancer protein production

Improve pain thresholds

Improve energy

Boost the immune system with an increase in the count of the body’s natural killer (NK) cells

More about the research of Forest Therapy

The research indicates that inhalation of Phytoncides, volatile chemical compounds that are nature’s natural defence mechanism against insects, bacteria and infection, reduces cortisol and stress levels which can contribute to improvements in overall physical and emotional health. Immersing yourself in nature should be accessible and advisable for everyone and governments everywhere are recommending that the public make the most of nature and the outdoors. Forest Medical Schools are being developed in Japan as a new branch of study in the field of public health. In the UK, Green prescriptions are being rolled out by the NHS and it is this facilitated approach to experiencing nature which best describes Forest Therapy. The Forest is the Therapist and participants are supported to access the health benefits of nature.

Whether you're an individual, group, business or family wishing to connect to the benefits of nature contact us below and we can discuss your needs.

What to expect from a Forest Therapy Session:

Beginners Guide:

At Jord we would meet you at a designated spot and begin a gentle and slow walk through the Forest or Woodland for around 15 minutes. This allows you the opportunity to begin to slow down, mute the “buzz” of your day, and just meander without a purpose, taking in the Forest/woodland atmosphere. We would arrive at a “sit spot” and here your Jord Practitioner will invite you to experience nature through your senses, mindfully listening to the sounds of the forest, observing what moves, inhaling the scents and smells of nature; touching, feeling that which is all around you; tasting the fresh air that is in abundant. This structured section of invitations last for an hour or an hour 15 mins dependent on weather conditions. We end with a tea ceremony, preferably foraged and an opportunity to share and discuss the experience. We would then take a slow walk back to where we met and you return home hopefully refreshed and recharged.

Jord Forest Therapy Sessions can either be one to one or in a small group. As safety is a priority all sessions are risk assessed and participants will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire prior to the event. You will receive a welcome email, advising where the session is; what time and what to bring. If for whatever reason we have to cancel your session we will endeavour to re-arrange or refund you.

What you will need weather Dependent:

Walking Shoes/boots
Backpack for ease of carrying your belongings such as purse; keys; phone and refreshments
Warm coat
Waterproof jacket
Hat and gloves
Flask and Snack ( though if available We will provide foraged tea)
Sit mat ( if you don't have one - let me know and we can provide one)

For those that have mobility or accessibility issues, we can provide a more individualised package: Elders of the Wood

Elders of The Wood:

Jord are proud to be part of the first Cohort to complete the Elders of the Wood qualification by the Therapeutic Forest. This enables us to take Forest Therapy to those that have mobility issues or experiencing cognitive impairments like dementia. Innovative approaches like the Elders of the Wood, link traditional care approaches with the benefits of nature connection or what is now commonly called Green Care or Green Dementia Care. Participants are supported to use their senses to engage with nature around them, tapping into their creativity, stimulating memories and sharing lived life experiences. We can arrange individual packages to participants’ homes or group sessions at Care Homes.