THE EXPERT
woodland garden was inspired by childhood memories and her belief that spending time in woodland forest-bathing improves our physical and mental health.
She said spending time outdoors can help children grow up to become “happy, healthy adults”. The duchess, mum to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, said: “I can understand that people [parents] are nervous about asking for help for fear of judgment, and how that sense of isolation can quickly become overriding and debilitating for any new parent.” Caitlin Keddie spent years in the midst of the rat race, suffering from anxiety.
But she now works at a much slower pace, as a forest bathing guide.
“I was working as a retail manager at a young age and it was a pretty high-pressured job,” Caitlin said.
“I was stressed and exhausted. “I have always loved the outdoors and fancied working in that field, following in the footsteps of my mum, who teaches foraging.
“We were out for a walk one day and I stopped for a minute and just realised how calm it was, and how beautiful the forest was.
“I did a bit of research and discovered forest bathing.
I really wanted to do it, but couldn’t find any guides in Scotland – so I quit my job and went to France to study how to become one.”
After completing a six-month residential course, Caitlin returned to Scotland where she has led forest bathers for two years as the country’s first Association of Nature & Forest Therapy certified guide.
“Forest bathing means going into natural spaces and simply taking in everything around you using all of your senses
– at a very slow pace,” Caitlin explained.
“It’s about feeling the forest, smelling it, even tasting it.
“It’s therapy – with the forest being the therapist.
“Many people move too quickly, but just slowing it Glasgow’s largest park and the only country park within the city. Its extensive and historic woodlands and gardens provide a quiet sanctuary. With over 146 hectares of woodland and gardens, it’s so tranquil you would never believe you were only three miles from the city centre. down makes you see things in a different light.”
Caitlin, who runs Forest Therapy Scotland, added:
“All too often our minds are distracted by pets, children, what’s for dinner – we find it hard to be in the present moment, where we can have headspace and truly relax.
“That’s what forest bathing is about. You can do it on your own, but a guided walk is more structured.
“And can help enhance the physiological benefits.
“If you really immerse yourself, it can not only improve physical health and fitness but also reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, boost creativity, improve mental health – and even boost your immune system.
“Studies show that just knowing the type of tree doesn’t make you feel that connected with it, but spending time with it, getting to know it and its links to the landscape has a stronger effect.”
Caitlin, from Glasgow, guides regular individual and group walks through Scotland’s forests, which are often booked out.
“I have led people from all walks of life, from stressed out, high-flying business people and busy mums looking for a break to people coming to terms with big changes in their lives, such as bereavement.
“It’s just amazing what you can find if you just stop and take a really good look.
“And that’s the beauty of nature. It has so much to give.” A rich environment full of wildlife and ancient trees. Visit in spring and smell the drifts of wild garlic, watch for nuthatches clinging to the tree trunks, or just enjoy the fine old trees in winter.