Why your next school trip should be forest bathing – ancient wisdom for a modern world

Casey Horner, Unsplash.

In a world of glowing screens, hectic schedules, and growing mental health concerns among young people, the need for a break from the noise has never been more urgent. Enter forest bathing – an ancient Japanese practice rooted in mindfulness, connection, and nature. As school trips evolve from purely educational outings to holistic developmental experiences, forest bathing offers a powerful, research-backed way to support students’ mental, emotional, and even academic wellbeing.

So, why should your next school trip be a forest bathing experience? Because this ancient wisdom may just be the modern world’s greatest remedy.

What is forest bathing?

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to the country’s tech-driven, high-stress lifestyle. But it’s not a bath, and there’s no swimsuit required. Forest bathing is simply the act of immersing yourself in nature - mindfully and slowly, with all the senses engaged.

It’s not a hike, a race, or a lecture in ecology. Instead, students are guided through gentle walks or stillness in a forest or wooded area, where they are encouraged to tune into the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the natural world. The aim? To foster presence, calm, and connection with the environment, and with oneself.

Why it’s perfect for students

1. Improves mental health

A growing body of research shows that even brief exposure to nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. With academic pressures, social media, and the demands of adolescence, students today face challenges previous generations never imagined.

Forest bathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), calming the heart rate, and quieting the mind. It’s a natural, drug-free way to build emotional resilience and recharge overstimulated brains.

2. Boosts focus and academic performance

Time in nature has been shown to improve cognitive function, attention span, and creativity. One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children who spent time in green spaces showed better concentration and working memory than those who didn’t. Incorporating forest bathing into a school trip allows students to reset their mental energy, making them more open, engaged, and effective learners - whether during the trip or back in the classroom.

3. Supports social and emotional learning (SEL)

Forest bathing isn’t a solo journey. When done in small groups with guided facilitation, it promotes empathy, communication, and cooperation. Students learn to listen, not just to the rustle of leaves, but to each other. Shared reflection during or after the experience encourages thoughtful dialogue and deeper interpersonal connection. These are the foundations of emotional intelligence and SEL – critical 21st-century skills.

Ancient wisdom meets modern needs

Indigenous cultures across the globe have long understood the healing power of the forest. From the Celtic reverence for sacred groves to Native American philosophies of living in harmony with nature, forest bathing reflects ancestral knowledge that the modern world is finally beginning to validate. At its core, this practice is about remembering our roots, not just the literal roots of trees, but our human roots in the natural world. In an age where many students feel disconnected or disoriented, forest bathing provides grounding and meaning in a gentle, accessible way.

Planning a forest bathing school trip

You don’t need to be near a massive national park to offer this experience. Many urban and suburban schools are within reach of woodland areas, local reserves, or even well-treed parks that can host a guided session.

A few tips for planning:

• Hire a certified forest bathing guide: These trained facilitators ensure the experience is safe, age-appropriate, and impactful.

• Integrate reflection activities:  Journaling, sketching, or simple circle sharing can deepen the benefits.

• Keep it simple and short: No tech, no tests, just time to ‘be. ‘Range from 20 minutes to one hour.

• Engage the senses: Encourage noticing small details—tree textures, bird sounds, earthy scents. Forest bathing guides suggest exercises like naming 5 things you see, 4 you hear, 3 you touch, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.

• Follow up in class: Link the experience to curriculum themes like ecology, mindfulness, literature, or social studies.

Top forest bathing spots in the U.K. ideal for children

1. New Forest, Hampshire

A magical blend of ancient woodland and open heathland, home to wild ponies and diverse wildlife. Perfect for slow, sensory-led walks and mindful nature exploration.

2. Whinlatter Forest, Lake District

England’s only mountain forest offers breathtaking mountain views, wildlife-spotting opportunities (like red squirrels), family-friendly trails, a playground, and a welcoming visitor centre.

3. Delamere Forest, Cheshire

This Forest Holidays site caters brilliantly to families with woodland cabins, two natural playgrounds (for ages 0–4 and 6+), a variety of trails, and organized activities such as Mini Forest Rangers and Nature Tots.

4. Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland

A truly enchanted spot with towering redwoods, riverside trails, and the charming “Big Deer” play area. Its fairy-tale-like landscape makes it especially captivating for children.

Real stories, real impact

Schools across the UK, US, and beyond are starting to embrace nature-based trips, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Teachers report calmer classrooms, improved peer relationships, and even higher engagement in academic lessons following nature-based experiences.

To conclude: a different kind of field trip

Traditional school trips often focus on content: museums, landmarks, performances. While valuable, these trips can be overstimulating and fast-paced. Forest bathing offers something different, something deeper. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.

As educators and parents, we want the best for our young people - not just academically, but holistically. Forest bathing gives students the tools to pause, reflect, and grow in a world that rarely allows them to do so.

So, the next time you’re planning a school outing, consider trading the buses and busy schedules for birdsong and stillness. Let the forest be the teacher. The lessons it offers, calm, connection, clarity - are ones our children will carry for a lifetime.