Finding Nature in the City: An Introduction to Urban Forest Bathing

Join us on an urban forest bathing adventure in the heart of Edinburgh!

Tucked away behind the Royal Mile is the Museum of Edinburgh Courtyard – an oasis of calm and nature restoration. Here we will explore the wonder, resilience and beauty of nature in our city, and better understand how nature supports our wellbeing.

Drawing on the practice of ‘shinrin yoku’ (forest bathing in Japanese), you will be guided through a series of relaxing sensory, breathing and mindfulness exercises to help you fully connect with nature, no matter where you find it.

We will also bring some light-hearted fun to our urban forest bathing, to allow you to bring out your ‘inner child’ and your memories of being in nature when you were young.

Afterwards you can re-live your childhood by visiting the ‘Nurture through Nature with Children’s Books’ exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh, remembering the nature books you may have read as a child. The exhibition explores how stories and nature come together in our childhood experiences and memories.

In partnership with Museums and Galleries Scotland, LongLeaf will present three separate urban forest bathing workshops as part of the exhibition.

The workshops will be mixed and participants will be guided in a number of sensory activities (using our sense of vision, touch, smell, taste and hearing) to explore nature. The focus is on relaxation, wonder, and wellbeing in nature.

Your guide is Dr Eve Hepburn, a certified Forest Bathing guide, academic researcher, author and public speaker.

Please note the location of this event is at Museum of Edinburgh. We intend to use our peaceful courtyard but if the weather is inclement, we may have to reschedule. Please wear comfy clothing, layers (if it’s cold) and waterproofs in case it rains.