Wellbeing at Bedgebury Pinetum

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Movement is so important for our mental health and the aim of this year’s campaign focuses on how we can all help people to find moments for movement within their daily routines.

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, part of Forestry England, have been doing some fantastic work offering many health and wellbeing events to encourage visitors to move more and connect with nature.

Nestled within the rolling hills and valleys of Kent High Weald National Landscape, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest offers a year-round programme of activities and events to inspire you to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, come rain or shine, they are here to support and help you to feel your best!

Led by a team of qualified health and wellbeing leaders, they offer; Nordic Walking; running groups; forest yoga; bootcamp; forest fitness; guide running and fitness; free walking groups; cycle coaching; parkrun; races and more! Most leaders offer sessions for beginners and nearly all end with a trip to the café for a cuppa and a chat.

The welcoming community of health and wellbeing leaders not only bring their expertise, but an infectious love and enthusiasm for exercising in the outdoors. Aside from the endorphin boosting physical benefits, exercising outdoors has also been proven to reduce stress, enhance our mood, and improve our wellbeing compared to exercising in non-natural environments. Specifically, being amongst trees lowers our blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and enhances our mental wellbeing. Phytoncides, essential oils emitted into the air by trees, increase the number of natural killer cells in our bodies which strengthens our immune system! It doesn’t have to be heavy going either; a gentle walk amongst the trees is enough to make a positive impact.

Bedgebury Pinetum have miles of beautiful cycle, mountain biking, walking, running and orienteering trails for you to explore. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bike, you can hire one from the onsite Whyte bike shop. They also have e-bikes for that extra boost.

Not only is there a wealth of activities, events, and trails to enjoy, but Bedgebury is also an internationally significant site for conifer conservation and study. By visiting you are supporting the important conifer conservation work and help to create places for wildlife to flourish and beautiful places for people to enjoy for now and future generations.

Whether you prefer the forest canopy, a lakeside view, or simply taking in one of the 12,000 specimen trees, Bedgebury offer the perfect place to recharge.

To find out more about their health and wellbeing events and activities, visit their website by using the link below.

Fitness and wellbeing activities at Bedgebury | Forestry England