Feel Good in the Forest is a supportive programme of activities for people with mild-to-moderate health conditions, or for those who are looking to improve their health and wellbeing, to meet new people and enjoy being outdoors. People can self-refer or be referred by a social prescribing link worker or support organisation.
We were delighted to be one of three projects shortlisted for the Best Nature Based Social Prescribing Project in the International Social Prescribing Awards 2024. Read on to discover more about the programme and where activities are currently taking place.
Are you a health care professional?
Health professionals and community workers play a vital role in helping people connect with nature to support their wellbeing. Explore training options and resources on our dedicated webpage, to learn how you can help those you support benefit from time outdoors - whilst also boosting your own wellbeing and that of your team.
About Feel Good in the Forest
Feel Good in the Forest helps people to be more active, boost their resilience, find restoration and connection with nature, and feel empowered and included.
We develop the activities with local communities meaning the offer at different sites varies. All activities are supportive, sociable and free or low-cost.
Feel good for individuals
Feel Good in the Forest is open to any individual with mild-to-moderate health conditions or who is looking to improve their health and wellbeing. You can self-refer or be referred by a support worker.
Feel good for groups
If you work for an organisation or are part of a community group, you may prefer to join us for a closed session with your group members only. These sessions are free and we’ll design them with you.
Feel Good in the Forest locations and contacts
If you’re interested in finding out more about the programme and the activities on offer, please contact the Active Forests Coordinator at the site you are attending. Our accessibility information page can help you plan your visit.
Chopwell Wood
Chopwell Wood is about 10 miles south west of Gateshead.
Lucy Brenkley is the Active Forests Coordinator for Chopwell. Contact her on 07771 885084 or lucy.brenkley@forestryengland.uk
Thames Chase
Forestry England manages 10 community woodlands in the outer London Borough of Havering and in Thurrock, Essex (Bonnetts Wood, Berwick Glades, Cely Woods, Harold Court Woods, Folkes Lane, Ingrebourne Hill, Mardyke Woods, Pages Wood, Thames Chase Forest Centre, and Tylers Wood).
Georgina Bunner is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for Thames Chase sites. Contact her on 07775 019588 or georgina.bunner@forestryengland.uk
The National Forest
Forestry England manage 17 woodlands across the National Forest in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Our Feel Good in the Forest hub sites are Hicks Lodge near Ashby de la Zouch & Sence Valley in Ibstock.
Callum Smith is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for National Forest sites. Contact him on 07901 008142 or info_nationalforest@forestryengland.uk
Guisborough Forest
Guisborough Forest is about 8 miles south-east of Middlesborough.
Lorna Routledge is the Active Forests Co-ordinator for Guisborough Forest. Contact her on 07570 246912 or lorna.routledge@forestryengland.uk
Visit the We Are Undefeatable website to find information and resources on how to get started, stay motivated and enjoy moving more when living with a health condition.
