Taking mental health outside – How regular trips to a forest near Bristol are helping people find solace and hope
There is growing evidence surrounding the benefits of nature-based interventions for mental health. Many studies show that ‘forest bathing’ can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving mood and enhancing feelings of hope. But very little work has been done to assess the effects of spending time in nature for people with more severe mental health problems.
Forest Friday, established in 2017, offers people with significant mental health needs regular access to time outside in nature. It’s a partnership between the Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service and the Forest of Avon Trust.
Dr Charlotte Sullivan, a Psychiatrist working with team, carried out an evaluation talking to both participants and staff to discover more about the group’s value and effectiveness. These are the key findings.
What is Forest Friday?
The Forest Friday group runs blocks of six to 10 sessions throughout the year, each lasting three hours on a Friday. Participants are clients from the Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service, with attendance varying from one session to multiple blocks.
Sessions take place in a quiet woodland area, beginning with a hot drink around a fire. Activities are designed with nature connection and the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ in mind. They include bird listening, foraging, creative exploration, crafting, and conservation skills such as building dormouse boxes.
Two Forest of Avon staff members facilitate the groups, supported by three Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service staff on a rota, with additional Community Rehabilitation staff who sometimes attend to support specific clients.
What participants say about Forest Friday
Recent feedback from clients attending the group demonstrates the positive experience many gain from the woodland sessions:
“Forest Friday is very relaxing with good company and lots to learn about. After sessions, I’ve felt uplifted for several days.”
“I find the group gives me a sense of purpose, I feel welcomed, and the shared knowledge gives me hope. I intend to keep up going to the woods on a Friday as it helps a lot with my wellbeing.”
“Nice sense of community, feel accomplished. Making mouse houses. Learned about dormice. Got some food. Was fun! Want to make more animal houses next!”
Staff feedback
We also asked staff for their comments on how the groups are run, and their feedback can be categorised in five themes:
1. Positive impact on clients’ wellbeing: Staff noted that participants seemed calmer, more relaxed, showing a lifted mood and having fun. They observed improvements in self-esteem, confidence, and routine.
2. Relationships: The group provides an opportunity for clients to socialise, connect with others, and develop friendships, with some meeting outside of sessions.
3. Equality and inclusivity: Staff highlighted the welcoming environment and how the group ‘levels out any dynamics that might be present in other settings’. They emphasised shared learning, activities, eating and drinking, where ‘everyone’s equal and everyone is contributing equally’.
4. Relevance of the outdoor space: The forest setting was noted as crucial, offering a chance for participants to access and connect with nature. The combination of the outdoor environment and the session format fosters a welcoming, calm atmosphere.
5. Staff impact: Supporting Forest Friday positively impacted staff wellbeing, with reports of fulfilment, benefits from nature connection, and joy from witnessing clients’ growth. It also deepened understanding of mental health issues and improved staff-client relationships.
Forest Friday is open to Bristol Community Rehabilitation clients. Find out more about Bristol Community Rehabilitation.
Useful references
European Centre for Environment & Human Health. Therapeutic Nature: Nature-based social prescribing for diagnosed mental health conditions. https://www.ecehh.org/research/therapeutic-nature-nature-based-social-prescribing-for-diagnosed-mental-health-conditions/ [accessed 21 March 2024].
Second Step. Community Rehabilitation. https://www.second-step.co.uk/our-services/recovery-mental-health/community-rehabilitation/ [accessed 21 March 2024].
Forest of Avon Trust. Woodland Wellbeing. https://forestofavontrust.org/for-people/woodland-wellbeing [accessed 21 March 2024]
Measuring Connection to Nature—A Illustrated Extension of the Inclusion of Nature in Self Scale – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Finale-Version-of-the-Illustrated-Inclusion-of-Nature-in-Self-Scale-IINS_fig5_349078754 [accessed 12 Jan, 2024]