Across our woodlands in the National Forest, Forestry England offer a variety of activities as part of the Feel Good in the Forest project. These activities are free to take part in and include optional time at the end for refreshments and socialising. You can self-refer to the project or be referred by a support organisation or worker.
Forestry England manage 17 woodlands across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire within the boundaries of the National Forest. Make sure to check the woodland each activity is in before booking!
Places are booked as a block of free sessions. You must book your space and register in advance to take part in these sessions.
Walking Talking Tuesdays with Peak Running
Join Peak Running for ‘Walking Talking Tuesdays’. Each week, explore a Forestry England woodland in the National Forest, guided by one of Peak Running’s expert leaders for a steady stroll in a welcoming, supportive group.
Dates and times
- New sessions starting May, timetable coming soon!
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
Saturday Guided Jogs with Peak Running
Led by experienced leaders, these sessions are suitable for those with little or no experience of jogging in the countryside. If you can complete a parkrun (5k) mostly jogging, you’ll be fine with this activity. If you’re not there yet, we recommend you join a guided walk first. The focus of these jogs will be on enjoying the forest and each other’s company, rather than speed.
Dates and times
- New sessions starting May, timetable coming soon!
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
Wednesday evening jogs with Peak Running
These monthly evening jogs also have a walking option. The sessions will be led by experienced leaders and head or chest torches will be used. The focus of these jogs will be on enjoying the surroundings and each other’s company, rather than speed.
Dates and times
- New sessions starting May, timetable coming soon!
Booking information
For more information and to book your free places, visit the Peak Running website
Stroll and Stretch and Stride and Stretch at Hicks Lodge
Join Wild Minds on an eight-week programme of accessible exercise, designed to build habits and learn routines you can continue at home.
These sessions are led by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit all needs. Our walking exercise programme combines walking with stretches, strength and balance work to improve overall fitness. You will be guided safely through this wellness walk.
Dates and times (Stroll and Stretch)
- Mondays 29 September, 6, 13 and 27 October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November at 9.30am
- (There is a one week gap in this block, no session on 20 October)
Dates and times (Stride and Stretch)
- Mondays 29 September, 6, 13 and 27 October, 3, 10, 17 and 24 November at 11am
- (There is a one week gap in this block, no session on 20 October)
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Forest Bathing at Hicks Lodge Forest Centre
Join Wild Minds for a relaxing and rejuvenating eight-week programme of forest bathing for wellbeing at Hicks Lodge. Learn the art of Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and slow down your pace of life to benefit your physical and mental health.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays 7, 14 and 21 May, 4, 11, 18 and 25 June, and 2 July at 9am
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Nature Journaling at Hicks Lodge
Wild Mind’s nature journaling workshops are perfect for beginners and beyond. You'll learn to explore your creative side and deepen your experience with nature whist taking in the sights, smells and sounds of spring in the forest.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays 7 May to 3 July 9am to 10am
- Wednesdays 3, 10, 17 and 24 September, 1, 8, 15 and 22 October at 12pm
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Mindful Meanders with LLR Mind at Hicks Lodge
Join Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Mind for a relaxed stroll along the trails at Hicks Lodge, followed by a complementary hot drink and a chat in the cafe. Enjoy the natural surroundings, meet some new people, and take part in gentle physical activity to improve your mood.
Dates and times
- Every fourth Tuesday of the month: 10.30am
Booking information
No booking needed. The group meets outside the cafe at Hicks Lodge. More information on the LLR Mind website.
Woodcraft for Wellbeing at Sence Valley
Woodcraft for Wellbeing is a six-week course at Sence Valley led by Better Outdoors. Join in and spend time enjoying and exploring Sence Valley, connecting with new people, learning some self-care and mindfulness strategies and getting creative with natural crafts and skills.
Light refreshments will be provided but please bring your own cup.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays from 2 April to 7 May: 10am to 12noon.
Booking information
There are only 10 places available so we hope that most people will be present for all six sessions. If you would like to take part but have other commitments for more than one of the sessions, please get in touch to let us know.
If there is anything that you would like Better Outdoors to know before the session, they're happy to have a call with you beforehand if you'd like to talk it through. Please email connect@betteroutdoors.org to arrange a time.
Booking essential.
Forest Bathing Walks at Sence Valley
Join Better Outdoors on a gentle walk through the woodland. You'll be guided through a series of prompts to help you tune into your senses and take the time to slow down and connect with nature.
Dates and times
- Sunday 16 March: 1.30-2.45pm
- Sunday 27 April: 10am-12 noon
- Sunday 15 June: 1.30-2.45pm
- Sunday 27 July: 10am-12 noon
- Sunday 14 September: 1.30-2.45pm
Booking information
Booking is essential. Please book tickets via this link.
T'ai-Ga at Hicks Lodge
Join Wild Minds for mindful movement combining the ancient practices of T'ai Chi, Qigong and Yoga. T'ai-Ga incorporates exercises from all disciplines to aid flexibility, strength and balance along with some mindfulness and relaxation. These sessions are delivered by an experienced instructor and can be adapted to suit the needs to those attending.
Dates and times
- Wednesdays 7 May to 2 July at 12pm
- Wednesdays 3, 10, 17 and 24 September, 1, 8, 15 and 22 October at 9am
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
A taste of Nature Connection at Hicks Lodge
Join the Wild Minds Team for a relaxing and rejuvenating programme of woodland wellbeing at Hicks Lodge. Learn how to use nature to slow down your pace of life to benefit your physical and mental health.
Dates and times
Fortnightly, Saturdays 1 March to 12 July at 11:30am
Booking information
To book, contact Wild Minds by emailing info@wildmindsnature.co.uk or call 07445 209 725
Eco Nidra Yoga with Better Outdoors at Sence Valley
More details coming soon!
Stroll & Sketch in the National Forest with Zoe Potter & the Bald Hiker
More details coming soon!