Virtual ways to experience the nation's forests

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

Forests from anywhere

Spending time outdoors in forests and connecting with nature is proven to be good for our mental, physical and social wellbeing. We know, however, that it’s not always possible to physically get to these special places. The good news is that virtual nature experiences can also help us feel calm, increase our emotional connection to nature and improve our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve created this virtual forests hub. Discover below a number of ways to experience the forest – wherever you are.

Videos from the forest

Women in pink coat walking through spring woodland

Immerse yourself in the forest with this series of calming forest bathing videos.

Pine marten standing on tree stump looking right

Discover the stories of wildlife living in the nation's forests, including pine martens, beavers and ospreys.

Woman teaching yoga in the forest

Enjoy some gentle movement wherever you are by following this 20 minute guided yoga class set in the forest.

pink flowers hanging from delicate branch

Explore Westonbirt, the national arboretum, through the seasons in this colourful series of videos.

Listen to the forest

Two women in an artists studio looking at nature inspired work

From arts to history and wildlife, our podcast brings the wonders of the forest to your ears wherever you are.

Woman sat on grass in sunshine in yoga pose

Take five minutes, pick a peaceful spot to sit, and listen to this fully immersive guided meditation through a peaceful forest.

Trees at Beechenhurst

Hear the forest as never before. Listen to the sounds of trees, plants, soil and insects normally inaudible to the human ear.

Dappled light through leaves.

Discover the art of Forest Listening with our handy top tips. Tuning in to natural landscapes, even in a garden, can benefit your health and mood.

Create your own forest

Moon rising over a forest

Use our gallery of beautiful forest scenery to immerse yourself in the nature, no matter where you are.

Side view of a women sat on a leafy forest floor, writing in a notebook

Discover the work of two writers who spent a year immersed in the sights, sounds and people of the nation's forests.

Leaves and prints made from them on card

Unleash your creativitree with 50+ downloadable activities inspired by the forest, from writing poetry to drawing and creating music.

woman laughing looking up in a forest

Let your own experiences in nature spark into creativity and record your own thoughts in our wellbeing journal.

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river running through a forest

Download, print and display this free poster to encourage people to scan the QR code and escape to the forest with our forest wellbeing videos.

woman looking up into the trees
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A member of Forestry England staff talks to a group of people in the forest
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Women Yoga

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