What Is Forest Bathing & Why It Can Help Improve Your Life

Crystals can play a big part in meditation, it can deepen your meditation process and raise your consciousness & awareness.

'Forest Bathing' is an English translation of the Japanese phrase shinrin-yoku, however the name may fool you, you won't need a take a dip in your bathtub to have a go. Developed in Japan, 'Shinrin' means forest and 'Yoku' stands for bathing. This simple practice of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to acquire a whole range of benefits for not just your physical but your mental and emotional health.

You can forest-bathe anywhere on the planet, wherever there are trees. You can sit, stand or walk - just disconnect from daily life and connect to nature. Clear your mind and observe your surroundings.

Toad Hall at Happy Valley Norfolk

Take long breaths deep into the abdomen. Extending the exhalation of air to twice the length of the inhalation sends a message to the body that it can relax. Look at the colour palette Mother Nature has created, listen to the sound of the breeze and the song of the wilderness, breath in the earthy scents. Use all your senses to fully immerse yourself in the experience. You can even take your shoes and socks off and walk barefoot as it helps with feeling grounded and present in the moment by connecting with the natural world.

We have had many guests in the past that have enjoyed our woodland retreat for forest bathing and meditation. To book your relaxing glamping experience, head over to the glamping section of our website.

Into the Wild

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” 
― David Attenborough

Stepping into the Wild from our King Bell Tent

Stepping into the Wild from our King Bell Tent

Happy Valley Norfolk is home to a wilderness of natural habitats.  We’re proud to be a Norfolk Wildlife Trust site and play an important role in protecting our natural heritage.  All of our builds are sympathetic to the surrounding habitats.  We hand dig all foundations and create space under each cabin for wildlife to flourish. The wild grounds here are an abundant life source of excitement for us too, which is why we’re eager to share their beauty with you.

Lake life at Happy Valley

Lake life at Happy Valley

Happy Valley Norfolk is set in 9 acres of ancient woodland and meadowland where nature quietly thrives.  Our tranquil site is wildlife rich and home to many species including song birds and owls; bats taking flight with the rare long eared bat spotted hanging out here, squirrels scaling sky high pines, rabbits, hare, munt jack and deer hopping and skipping through whilst nestled in the safe space of our forest are hedgehogs, badgers, stoats and foxes taking sanctuary.  Butterflies, Dragon Flies, Bees and Moths weave in and out of the flora whilst our lake of whispering Willows overlooks plentiful pond-life. During the summer of 2019 we’ve planted acres of wildflower and our Sainfoin field at the family farm produces pink blooms which are a magnet to insects.

A safe space for children & wildlife

A safe space for children & wildlife

As a family we’ve immersed our children in nature with the forest floor as their playground.  We’ve created a Glamping site in harmony with wild inhabitants to encourage other families to harness an appreciation of wildlife and how we can all relate positively to the natural world that unconditionally sustains us.

The more we enrich our bond with Mother Nature, the more likely we are to conserve her future. Spending time outdoors in nature each day is the healthiest way to strengthen our connection with our natural roots. Encouraging our children to form respectful connections with our natural neighbours is perhaps the most precious way to keep our wild heritage alive!

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We’ve illustrated our natural habitat for all who come to stay and developed activity sheets to encourage families to explore their wild surroundings together.

How can you connect with nature at Happy Valley? Let us name just a few naturally healing things to do… from forest bathing to star gazing, hunting for bugs, foraging for fruits and making mindfully natural mandalas, taking time out for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your hammock and for the more adventurous walking deep into the woods to discover natures treasures.

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Sir David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, Catherine Tate, Alison Steadman and Asim Chaudhry have backed a new campaign from The Wildlife Trusts that calls for a wilder future and for nature’s recovery in the UK.
 
The conservationist and actors have starring roles in a new Wind in the Willows film trailer which brings to life the 21st century threats facing the much-loved characters from Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic. The animated trailer calls on everyone to help bring our wildlife back before it’s too late, so that we can all enjoy a wilder future.
 
At Happy Valley we named our naturally built treehouse ‘Toad Hall’ after being inspired by the Wind in the Willows tale as children.  We hope that a stay here with your offspring inspires you and your wildlings to deepen your connection with nature and ignite your passion for a wilder future!

Toad Hall at Happy Valley

Toad Hall at Happy Valley

To re-wild yourself and experience all of the natural wonders at Happy Valley, contact one of our forest friendly team today.

Keep it Wild Norfolk!

E: hello@happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk

T: 01485 600719

Instagram: @Happyvalleynorfolk