Positive News readers share profound moments you’ve experienced in forests and how being around trees impacts your wellbeing
In celebration of the news that woodland cover in the UK has doubled over the last century, we asked Positive News readers what forests mean to you. Your responses were inspiring and moving, from how time in the forest was a reprieve for a terminal cancer patient, to the joyful exuberance of moonlit running in the woods. We don’t have the space to share every one but hope you’ll enjoy the selection below.
We’ve created this feature in partnership with Forestry England, caretaker of more than 1,500 of England’s woodlands, who look after more land and trees than any other organisation in England. With programmes that focus on health and wellbeing – such as Feel Good in the Forest and wellbeing trails – along with activities such as walking, running, cycling and horse-riding, it’s all about encouraging people to get outside and enjoy the natural world.
May the forest be with you: your significant moments among the trees
Connecting with life
“I consider myself very lucky to live near the New Forest National Park. I get to run and walk in the forest almost every day. I get to see how the forest changes over the seasons: the soaking wet of the winter to the usually dry summers, the changes of colour in the autumn and the bluebells in the spring. I can always easily find peace and quiet. I can always find areas where I can be alone. I love looking up at the big pine trees, especially when the sky is blue, and I love the smell of running through them on a hot day. The sky can be very dark particularly in the winter and I’ve run with only stars and the moon lighting the way. It’s an amazing experience to see your shadow at night because of the light from the moon and stars.” – Daniel, Hampshire, England
“The thing I love about natural forests is their ability to provide everything that we actually could need for a peaceful life: wood for shelter and warmth; plants with medicinal and nutritious benefits. I love how the plants, trees and fungi work together and the peace and serenity that sitting in the forest looking at the light filtering leaves feels like a different world from the busy, bustling, competitive nature of the modern world.” – David, Merseyside, England
“A story I would like to share is a moment in my mother’s cancer journey. We were all hanging out as a family in and among the bay grape trees in Bermuda. We set up hammocks to relax in, and a large blanket on the floor. We spent hours laughing, connecting and being present. I remember looking over to mom and witnessing this beautiful moment of her deep knowingness, peace and wellbeing as she took a breath and quietly testified ‘nature is so healing’. It was like we could all tangibly feel a reprieve from the toll that the cancer was taking on her, and all of us. It was simply a beautiful moment of recognition of the power of nature. Now that mom has died, I feel her presence strongest when I am in nature.” – Amanda, Bermuda
“After Covid-19, I was lucky enough to move to a new flat in the western district near a renowned wood in Paris. For two years I worked mostly remotely, so I disciplined myself to go out at lunchtime to get fresh healthy air and negative ions from the trees. It takes one hour door-to-door to walk to the woods around a big lake. And when I was stressed or angry because of my work, it took half an hour – and half the lake tour – to release all my tensions and get back to a healthy and positive balance.” – Alexandra, Paris region, France
Forests for wellbeing
“During a period in my life when I was struggling with severe anxiety, I would walk to my local woods. Being among the trees was the only thing that seemed to calm me and ease the adrenaline rushing around my body. I put it down to the cool, calm atmosphere, the greenness, and what I call ‘tree air’.” – Jill, Dorset, England
“I agree with extensive evidence that sensory awareness is a form of mindfulness practice that soothes the nervous system. I say this as someone who lives with complex childhood trauma, and as walking amongst trees in local woodland gave me hope during a very dark few years. Trees show us humans what being a community means, and if greater numbers of people spent more time in nature I believe we would collectively be more empathetic and compassionate to others.” – Dee, Greater Manchester, England
Among the trees, we could all tangibly feel a reprieve from the toll that the cancer was taking on her, and all of us
“As I walk into even the smallest area of trees, my breathing changes, I become less anxious, I get a sense of connectedness to this world, my muscles relax and I can think clearly. This all sounds like some exaggeration, but woodlands have a profound effect on who I am.” – Mo, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
“When I think of forests, I can’t help but smile. They are a great symbol of life and tranquillity. When I’m feeling out of sorts, I know I need to get back to nature. Forests have delivered an amazing sense of calm since I was young. And now I get to watch my two young children come to know and enjoy time in the woods. The forests stoke their curiosity, encourage their play, and increase their understanding of the importance of nature.” – Brit, Missouri, US
'I become less anxious, I get a sense of connectedness to this world, my muscles relax and I can think clearly,' says Mo from Scotland. Stock image: Imgorthand
Nature inspiring awe
“Forests are a place of wonder. I see them as a giant natural church, a place of worship. When I stand beneath a mighty oak or a giant beech, I know I am home.”– Dave, Yorkshire, England
“Ancient woodland, in particular, evokes a profound sense of awe. The distortions of ancient trees, like the oaks who take 300 years to grow, 300 to live and 300 – or more – to die, give a sense of perspective on life as a whole and inspire efforts and commitment towards environmental action.” – Rev David, Scotland
Taking a walk in the forest is like a front row seat to the ongoing cycle of life and death
“The sights, smells and sounds of the forest all work together to calm my mind. To me, forests represent the interconnectivity of everything. They remind me that I am just one immensely small piece in the puzzle of the universe and how unbelievably special it is to be a part of that puzzle. Taking a walk in the forest is like a front row seat to the ongoing cycle of life and death, and helps to remind me that they are not at odds with each other but are companions here to bring beauty into existence.” – Jake, Michigan, US
Main image: SeventyFour/iStock
