30-04-2025
Ecolution: Have you ever heard of forest bathing?
Ecolution is the Podcast that tries to learn all we can about nature and our environment so we can share it with our listeners. And in this episode we join one class as they go into the woods to try something new - forest bathing.
Many young people discuss things with their parents, but for a lot of us, school is the place where we have the most meaningful conversations with our friends and teachers about the state of our planet.
Throughout Series 5 of Ecolution, we're doing a number of episodes celebrating all that's happening in classrooms across the country. And the first stop on the journey is Stepaside Educate Together National School where we join them on a forest walk with a difference.
Listen to the Podcast on RTÉ, Apple or Spotify now!
And press play up top to watch the Ecolution Vodcast on YouTube, where Evie and our panel dive deeper into what kids are learning in school about the climate crisis - and what more can be done.
On the Podcast
On a sunny morning in Fernhill, third class from Stepaside ETNS walked into the woods - not to hike, or to study trees, but to slow down, breathe deeply, and take part in something called forest bathing. Guided by the calm presence of Orlagh from Forest Bathing Wicklow and Cat from Danu Forest Bathing, the students explored nature in a whole new way - through their senses.
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that was first named in the 1980s. It means consciously and mindfully immersing yourself in the natural environment, especially a forest, to take in all the health benefits it offers. It's about bathing your senses in the forest atmosphere, focusing on sights, sounds, smells, and textures to connect with nature and reduce stress.
Nature connection is at the centre of environmental education. Because when we slow down, breathe and reflect, we start to notice what's there. And when we take notice of it, we connect, and really care that much more. And that is the first step we take in wanting to protect the world around us.
Orlagh and Cat have their own podcast called Beneath the Canopy. If you'd like to hear more about what they do or just pick up some tips on how you too could have a go at Forest Bathing you can listen here.
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We'd love to hear about your experiences of learning about nature at home or in school. Who or what inspires you? And please, do like/ subscribe/ follow or review wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps!
