Forest bathing in Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has more woodland than you might expect for a small island, and most of it is public. Parkhurst Forest outside Newport is Forestry England's biggest site here, oak and pine with one of the island's red squirrel populations. Firestone Copse near Wootton Bridge is oak, ash and conifer sloping down to a tidal creek. Borthwood Copse near Sandown is ancient oak and sweet chestnut cared for by the National Trust, and Brighstone Forest climbs the downs behind the south west coast with beech and pine on the ridge.

Sessions are two or three hours of slow walking and stillness in a small group, with the guide offering simple invitations to notice what is around you and tea at the end. The island's woods are sheltered and mild enough for sessions in most months, and red squirrels are a regular bonus. Each guide's profile gives their own dates, venues and prices.

Firestone Copse is the gentlest first visit, with a free car park and a wheelchair accessible trail through the trees. Parkhurst Forest has a car park off the Newport to Yarmouth road and is a short bus ride from Newport.