Virtual forest bathing

Sun shining through the trees

Transport yourself to the forest

Take a few minutes out of your day to look through our galleries of seasonal forest photos and immerse yourself in the joys of nature. Even if you can't physically get to a forest, research has shown that viewing images of a forest scene causes changes in the body and brain that make us feel more relaxed.

Known in Japan as 'shinrin yoku', forest bathing is the simple process of being calm, quiet and observing nature whilst breathing deeply. It can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Summer forest gallery

Purple foxgloves in bloom in the foreground with tree trunks in the background

river running through a forest

green ferns in focus in the foreground with tree trunks in the background

Forest floor covered in greenery with tree trunks

Aerial view of green fields and forest with a river winding through, with blue summer sky.

Blue sky and sun visible through tall tree trunks in the forest

Autumn forest gallery

Autumnal forest scene with golden leaves on the trees and ground

A close up on oak leaves in shades of brown, green and yellow shown on the forest floor during autumn

Wyre autumn colours

Autumn in Acer Glade Westonbirt

Fly agaric mushrooms red with white spots

A large pile of logs on the forest floor during autumn

Winter forest gallery

A sunny view across a frozen lake at a bank of trees

Close-up of bramble leaves and stalk covered in frost

Mendips winter sunset

Close-up of a robin perched among bare winter twigs, with a wintery blue sky seen through the trees

Real Christmas trees at sunset

Close-up of winter leavers partially covered in snow, hanging from bare branches

Light snow on the ground, covering logs, with tall trees and a winter blue sky

Spring forest gallery

Tree bud in front of the sun

Wild garlic in spring

Bluebell woodland in Forest of Dean

Mountain landscape with a river winding down a hill during spring

A large, sprawling veteran oak tree, with bluebell cluster in the foreground

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A person with their back to the camera takes a photo of a tree on a mobile phone

Virtual ways to experience the nation's forests

You don't need to physically be in the forest to feel their benefits. Our virtual forests hub lets you discover the nation's forests from wherever you are.

Women Yoga

Forests for wellbeing

Discover how to make the most of the nation's forests to improve health and wellbeing.

Forest bathing

Relax in the forest

The nation's forests offer lots of things to do with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Find an activity to unwind.