Andrew & Honey - Wilde Earth journeys

Based in The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, we utilise these beautiful historic wooded valleys to immerse visitors in nature, through the art of Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), Ceremony and bespoke experiences just for you.

Andrew and Honey as well as both being trained Forest Bathing Guides also bring with them a wealth of coaching and wellbeing skills. Both are proactive in establishing the importance and versatility of nature connection and putting The Forest of Dean firmly on the map as THE place to visit for all.

We collaborate and partner with local suppliers and businesses to ensure your experience with us is more than you expected, especially when booking bespoke packages and experiences.

Join us for your next adventure www.wildeearthjourneys.org/

Forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku) and walking in nature offer numerous benefits that support neurological health and may help in preventing dementia. Here’s how:

1. Reduces Stress

  • Chronic stress contributes to cognitive decline and increases the risk of dementia.

  • Spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels and reduces the activity of the amygdala, the brain's stress center, promoting a calmer state of mind.

2. Enhances Neurogenesis

  • Walking in natural settings may stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth and survival of neurons and improves cognitive functions like memory.

3. Improves Cognitive Function

  • Exposure to natural environments enhances focus, attention span, and working memory, countering cognitive fatigue often associated with urban living.

4. Promotes Physical Exercise

  • Walking in nature is a form of low-impact aerobic exercise, which improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports brain plasticity.

5. Reduces Inflammation

  • Nature exposure lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

6. Boosts Immune Function

  • Forest environments increase natural killer (NK) cell activity and anti-cancer proteins, reducing overall body stress and inflammation that can impact neurological health.

7. Increases Oxygenation

  • Trees release phytoncides and purify the air, which improves oxygen levels. Enhanced oxygen delivery to the brain supports cognitive clarity and brain health.

8. Improves Sleep Quality

  • Natural light exposure during the day regulates circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep quality—a crucial factor in preventing cognitive decline.

9. Stimulates Sensory Engagement

  • Engaging multiple senses through sights, sounds, and smells in nature stimulates different brain regions, fostering neural connectivity and cognitive resilience.

10. Supports Emotional Well-Being

  • Nature immersion helps combat anxiety and depression, which are risk factors for dementia. Positive emotional states are associated with better cognitive outcomes.

11. Encourages Mindfulness

  • Walking in nature encourages mindfulness and being present, which helps train the brain to regulate thoughts and emotions, fostering resilience against cognitive decline.

12. Provides Vitamin D

  • Sunlight exposure in natural settings supports vitamin D synthesis, which is linked to healthy brain function and reduced dementia risk.

13. Social Connection Opportunities

  • Group walks or community activities in nature provide opportunities for social interaction, which is protective against dementia and supports neurological health.

Research Highlights:

  • Studies have shown that people living near green spaces have a reduced risk of dementia.

  • Spending at least two hours a week in nature has been linked to better mental health and cognitive outcomes.

Incorporating even small doses of nature into daily life can yield significant benefits for brain health and overall well-being.