Funding from Alyth Development Trust and the Scottish Forestry Wellbeing Fund is supporting an opportunity to slow down, appreciate nature’s peace and view yourself and your surroundings with fresh eyes.
This unique project is running from June 2025 to March 2026 in Alyth Den, merging the quiet, healing practice of “forest bathing” (Shinrin-Yoku) with the creative exploration of “mindful photography. The project is being run by local forest bathing practitioners Nature Minds and mindful photography specialists Present Focus under the banner A.W.E. (Attuned With Earth).
Monthly sessions led by Dorota Kiedrowska (founder of Nature Minds) and Kelly McIntyre (founder of Present Focus), pictured above, aim to foster health, wellbeing and a deep connection with nature in our community. Participants will enjoy gentle, guided walks, creative nature art and photography, wild tea ceremonies, relaxation in hammocks and more — all designed to bring respite from daily demands, boost wellbeing and help people appreciate their local woodlands in all seasons. Open to all — locals, visitors, community and minority groups — everyone is warmly invited to take part. The programme concludes with a pocket guide and photo exhibition, featuring images taken by participants — a lasting legacy of their experience.
The sessions started in June, and the second is scheduled for 27 July (2pm–5pm). Additional dates will be revealed in due course. Registration is essential due to limited spaces. For more information or to book a place, please visit www.natureminds.co.uk, email dorota@natureminds.co.uk, or phone 07568 477789.