Accessible Forest Bathing in the MERL Garden
A sensory walk and talk through The MERL's grounds with Dr Jen Clarke
Event Navigation
Join us as part of Reading Walks Festival 2025
Dates and Times
16th May: 2:30-4.30pm
17th May: 10.30am-12:30pm (repeat)
Join us to relax, reconnect with nature and explore how trees and landscapes inspire ideas for more sustainable, thriving communities.
Details
Immerse yourself in nature and explore the connections between wellbeing, landscapes and sustainable futures with our Accessible Forest Bathing experience, hosted in the serene gardens of The MERL. This event is part of the Agroforestry Futures project, which investigates the relationships between trees, agriculture, and communities.
Forest Bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a mindful practice that encourages slowing down, tuning into your senses, and deepening your connection with the natural world. In this inclusive session, you’ll engage in simple, guided activities designed to foster relaxation and reflection, while considering how trees and green spaces contribute to sustainable living and collective health.
This experience is open to everyone aged 14 and above, with accessibility at its heart, making it suitable for people of all abilities, including those with limited mobility. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or curious about the role of agroforestry in shaping our future, this is a welcoming space to pause and reflect.
About the walk leader
Dr. Jen Clarke is an anthropologist, artist and educator, currently Associate Professor at Gray’s School of Art, Scotland. Working with The MERL, Jen is leading the arts research on a multi-disciplinary project about Agroforestry in the UK.
Further information
- Easy difficulty/1 km / 2 hours
- Learn something new – less walking/more mindfulness
- Family friendly
- Booking required, £3 per adult (accompanied child, free)
- Start and finish: The Museum of English Rural Life (Meet point: https://what3words.com/else.punchy.candle)
- Refreshments are available from the museum cafe, which will be open during the walk. Water is available for refilling bottles.
- Toilets, accessible toilets baby changing facilities available at the museum
- Wheelchair accessible. Visit our Access page to help plan your visit.
- Assistance dogs only
- We encourage visitors to use public transport to reach us if possible, visit our getting here page for details.
