Northern Ireland

Installation of three forest bathing beds in south Belfast

Forest bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' was first developed in Japan in the 1980s. Picture by Paul Moane
Forest bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' was first developed in Japan in the 1980s. Picture by Paul Moane Forest bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' was first developed in Japan in the 1980s. Picture by Paul Moane

AN initiative to encourage people to discover the benefits of nature therapy has been launched in south Belfast with the installation of three forest bathing beds.

Visitors to the meadows and woodlands at Minnowburn will be able to use the wooden beds that have been positioned in areas of the forest specially chosen to make the most of the seasonal views.

They will be moved to different spots throughout the year.

It is part of a National Trust plan to encourage people to spend time in a forest, particularly on International Forest Bathing Day on September 11.

Forest bathing or 'shinrin-yoku' was first developed in Japan in the 1980s and simply means the practice of slowing down and immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere.

Scientific studies conducted by the Japanese government showed that mindful exploration in a forest is good for both physical and mental wellbeing.

The benches feature quotes from National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill. Picture by Paul Moane
The benches feature quotes from National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill. Picture by Paul Moane The benches feature quotes from National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill. Picture by Paul Moane

The benches at Minnowburn have been designed using oak wood and were funded by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Angie Watson from the National Trust said: "As we emerge from a global pandemic and face into a national mental health crisis, allowing people to connect to nature has never been so important."

Installation of three forest bathing beds in south Belfast. Picture by Paul Moane
Installation of three forest bathing beds in south Belfast. Picture by Paul Moane Installation of three forest bathing beds in south Belfast. Picture by Paul Moane