Forest bathing in Nottinghamshire

Sherwood is the reason most people think of Nottinghamshire and trees in the same breath. The national nature reserve at Edwinstowe holds one of the biggest concentrations of ancient oaks in Europe, veteran trees standing in birch and heath, with the Major Oak at its heart. Next door, Sherwood Pines at Clipstone is Forestry England's largest forest in the East Midlands, mostly Corsican pine. Clumber Park near Worksop has the National Trust's lime avenue and lakeside woods, and on the edge of Nottingham Bestwood Country Park is oak and birch over old colliery land.

The format is simple: a small group, a guide, two to three hours, and very little walking. You'll be invited to slow down, use your senses and spend time alone among the trees before coming back together. The ancient oaks at Sherwood give the practice a particular weight, while Bestwood suits an after-work session from the city. Look at each guide's profile for dates and prices.

Sherwood Forest at Edwinstowe has an RSPB visitor centre, cafe and firm paths to the Major Oak, so it is the obvious start. Sherwood Pines is bigger and busier with bikes, but has a large car park and cafe too.