We are thrilled to announce that Dame Judi Dench is now a Patron of The Forest Bathing Institute.
Dame Judi Dench is well known for her love of trees and woodland and has previously expressed enthusiasm for the insights, revealed by scientific study, into the fascinating world of trees and how they communicate with each other.
(see BBC1 – Judi Dench, My Passion for Trees).
There is much more we can prove with solid scientific data, especially in relation to the effect of the forest environment on human health. You can read more about our focus on science, here.
‘I am delighted to be a Patron for The Forest Bathing Institute’
Read the full statement from Dame Judi Dench below.
‘I am delighted to be a Patron for The Forest Bathing Institute. I have adored trees and forests for as long as I can remember, and love spending time among nature and especially with trees. As humans, we have such a deep connection to trees and woodland. We weave stories, plays and fairy tales that are set against a backdrop of forest and woodland. Indeed, our ancient Yews and Oaks appear at the centre of local folklore. Forest bathing allows you to focus on that connection, engaging all your senses. In Japan, this immersion in nature has been studied for decades, and it is now practised by millions of people to help them relax and recharge.
I was excited to hear that The Forest Bathing Institute is conducting ground-breaking and game-changing research into the physiological benefits of woodland and trees. Anyone who spends time in the forest knows that it makes us “feel good”, so I welcome the research that The Forest Bathing Institute is conducting, in partnership with universities, to give us more in-depth understanding of how these benefits could help us. Once the hard scientific data is gathered, a priceless link will have been made between our trees, forests and human health, including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. I am overjoyed to be a part of this endeavour and thrilled to think we will encourage a greater number of people to enjoy time amongst the trees which I hold dear in my heart.’
Gary Evans, one of our Founders and Directors at The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI), commented; ‘We are absolutely delighted that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to be our Patron. Everyone knows that she has a real connection with trees and nature, so this support of the Forest Bathing Institute means we and the scientific studies we are planning to do in 2020, will have even more gravitas.’
Scientific Research (so far) into Forest Bathing+
The scientific data referred to above includes a 2019 study into the psychometric and physiological benefits of Forest Bathing+ in collaboration with researchers from the University of Derby.
Participants were selected through a randomised trial, and assessed for physiological factors (including blood pressure and heart rate variability monitoring and testing for inflammatory markers in the blood, such as cortisol level), and through Profile of Mood States (POMS) assessments via a series of participant questionnaires . Physiological data is in process of being analysed.
The session, conducted in the semi-ancient ‘Shining Cliff’ woodland in Derbyshire, lasted two hours and was led by two qualified practitioners (Gary & Olga) from The Forest Bathing Institute, who guided participants in mindful appreciation of their woodland surroundings.
Participants were encouraged to move slowly and mindfully in silence and to fully engage with their surroundings, with the assistance of mindfulness exercises led by their guides. You can read some of our reccomended elements for a Forest Bathing+ session here.
The study measured 12 areas of wellbeing
A ‘repeated measures MANOVA’ (Multivariate Analysis of Variance) was used to assess any differences in participants’ scores between ‘baseline’ and ‘post-intervention’ (the ‘intervention’ being their Forest Bathing+ session). Our Full report on the event, including a direct extract of the initial findings, can be found here. An overview of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) data is shown below.
POMS is a psychological rating scale used to assess transient, distinct mood states, measured over a period of time using a rating system for participants. MANOVA is a procedure that allows multiple dependant variables to be assessed simultaneously, to support the collection of robust data.
There was a statistically significant difference in participant POMS scores between baseline and post-intervention which we hope to cover in more detail when the research papers are released.
Participants scores improved on measures of:
- ‘Safe’ positive affect
- ‘Relaxed’ positive affect
- Compassion for others
- Compassion from others
- Rumination on problems
- Nature connection
- Pro-environmental attitudes
- (Lessening of) Mood disturbance – notably:
- Depression
- Anger
- Tension
- Confusion
- Fatigue
We are thrilled to report our initial findings and how many different areas Forest Bathing+ appears to assist.
Data is still being studied, including Heart Rate Variability data that continues to be processed for analysis. The results will follow later this year with the publication of the official paper in notable journals. It’s vitally important that we continue this research.
The continued importance of research
In addition to helping people to discern the genuine value of Forest Bathing+ when considering taking their first steps into this activity, this research represents a key step towards social prescribing to support physical, mental and emotional health. We are building a substantial body of evidence to present to the NHS in England.
Once again, a warm welcome and thank you to Dame Judi Dench
We are overjoyed to have Dame Judi’s continued support and hope that this will help us to reach more people and to raise awareness of the importance of spending time in nature and our treasured areas of woodland.
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* Image: Judi Dench at the BAFTAs at the Royal Opera House in London
Image credit: Caroline Bonarde Ucci / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)