Forest bathing in Staffordshire

Cannock Chase is the heart of woodland Staffordshire: a Forestry England forest of pine on heathland, with old oak and birch in the Sherbrook valley, between Rugeley, Hednesford and Stafford. In the north the Churnet Valley is steep and heavily wooded, with Dimmingsdale near Alton and the National Trust's Hawksmoor reserve both in oak and birch above the river. Downs Banks near Stone is a small National Trust valley of oak and alder, and Kinver Edge on the Worcestershire border has woodland below its sandstone ridge.

Forest bathing is unhurried and guided. A small group spends two to three hours among the trees, moving slowly, stopping often and following simple invitations to look, listen and rest. There is nothing to achieve. Cannock Chase's wide, flat tracks suit anyone unsure on rough ground, and the Churnet Valley woods are sheltered in winter. Each guide's profile shows their dates and prices.

Cannock Chase is the easy first visit. The Birches Valley Forest Centre near Rugeley has a large car park, cafe and surfaced trails, and the Marquis Drive visitor centre is a mile or so from Hednesford station. Dimmingsdale has a car park and a cafe at the valley entrance.