Nature—especially trees—has always felt like home. Growing up in Kingston upon Thames, I was lucky to live near Richmond Park and other green spaces like Bushy Park and Wimbledon Common. Whether on holiday or at home, I’ve always been drawn to forests, mountains, and coastlines rather than urban environments. Having access to nature has been a constant source of comfort, and I’ve never taken that connection for granted.
I come from a humble background and appreciated that getting outside and in nature was more or less free, and running in Richmond Park with my Dad (before his MS arrived) and younger brother, playing football and cricket in local recs and cycling to Oxshott Woods, Wimbledon Common were always an adventure. Also, 15 years ago, I suddenly became unwell, and I can hand on heart say the combination of re-establishing good breathing techniques and relaxing in nature everyday for a few weeks got me back to great health.
Today, nature plays a significant role in my wellbeing practice. As a certified Forest Bathing Guide (Institute of Forest Bathing), trained breathing educator (under Patrick McKeown), ICF-accredited Life Coach, and qualified mindfulness teacher, I integrate nature into all aspects of my work. Whether through forest bathing, breathwork, or coaching sessions, I use nature as a co-facilitator to support personal transformation. I am blessed to have experienced, witnessed and been part of research projects that clearly show the huge difference that time in nature can make.
What is Forest Bathing?
It is actually best to clarify what forest bathing isn’t! It is not in any way related to immersing yourself or entering the water. The only time water is likely to be felt, is if it rains!
Forest Bathing was developed in Japan in the 1980s to help people decrease stress levels following scientific studies by the Government. It is called ‘shinrin-yoku’ in Japanese, which means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or literally ‘forest bathing under the trees’. Many cultures have long recognised the importance of the natural world to human health, but forest bathing has taken this connection and mindfulness in nature a step further. Using mindfulness and sensory exploration, it involves slowing down and immersing yourself in the forest or woods. It is like a bridge – by opening our sense, it bridges the gap (which continues to grow in modern lifestyles) between us and the natural world.
Forest Bathing sessions are usually led by an experienced forest bathing guide, who takes a group of people through mindful exploration of the forest or woods. Most sessions last for around two to three hours and are accessible for most people. My sessions also incorporate gentle breathing exercises, mind, body connection activities and sharing of how nature provides windows and guidance to living our lives utilising all my range of experience and skills.
My thoughts following research consider this to be the first UK-originated children’s picture book to integrate forest bathing, sensory mindfulness, and research-backed wellbeing guidance in one accessible, story-led format. There are a number of books aimed at adults and sharing the science-backed back health benefits, but a lack of books aimed at children and equipping and giving ideas to carers to access these benefits.
So, the purpose of the book is to encourage parents, carers, educators and children (3-8 years) to explore nature, feel and experience its calming and healing power, particularly from a mental health perspective. It is approximately 40pp with a combination of a story and educational information around the benefits of spending time outside as well as suggestions for interacting/playing with nature.
A gentle and immersive picture book that introduces children to the calming magic of forest bathing (no water involved!). Through a story of a young girl and her grandmother, readers learn how nature can soothe, support, and strengthen us—physically and emotionally. Combining storytelling, science-backed wellbeing tips, and sensory games, The Forest’s Secret invites families and educators to rediscover nature as a healing space for mind, body, and heart
I wrote the content outline and chapter headings in early 2023 and despite being encouraged by my good friend Elisabetta, a fellow forest bathing guide, I then put it aside and earlier this year during an unusually quiet period business-wise, I revisited it and found my passion for the book reignited. Luckily, I still think there is a gap in the market for such a resource to support children reconnecting and experiencing the wonder and benefits of nature.
The target readership is:
- Primary market: Children aged 3–8 and their parents/caregivers
- Secondary market: Forest school leaders, primary teachers (KS1/KS2), SEN educators, play therapists, children’s mindfulness instructors, and nature-based practitioners
The beautiful book cover is an interpretation of the first few lines of the story element within the book. I was running a breathing and nature workshop alongside a lady Linda North (thegreennut.co.uk) who educates and demonstrates how to cook plant-based meals and fermented foods and drinks and her daughter Amelia North who had recently graduated in design was in attendance. After a brief conversation, I asked her if she would like to collaborate with the book and try out some illustrative thoughts. She and her friend Estelle Sheppard from the same university course agreed and have used their enormous talents to produce some wonderful and engaging illustrations to support the book content including the cover.
In the wake of rising childhood stress, ADHD, anxiety, and digital overload, nature is increasingly recognised as an essential part of children’s emotional and mental health toolkit. Additionally, there is some commentary about getting 'down and dirty' in nature may help alleviate the explosion in generational allergies. The Forest’s Secret supports that need, translating evidence-based practices into a child-friendly narrative supported by practical tools for families and educators. With growing interest in green education, green social prescribing, outdoor learning, and trauma-sensitive wellbeing, this book arrives at a crucial moment to make nature connection both accessible and magical for young minds. Introducing nature into a child's regular activities can be a key pillar in early intervention of older children and young adult's stress and mental health.
I want the book to be a valuable resource that introduces children to nature (and reconnect disengaged parents, carers, educators etc.) and to provide practical and engaging ideas and activities for those who care and educate children. I guess, if the book introduces only one or two children to nature and helps them it would have been worthwhile but of course I am hoping it has a greater impact!
Buy the book at https://www.nigelgrimeswellbeing.com
