Forest Bathing Guide Essentials Course

This course is perfect for anyone looking to bridge the gap between mindfulness and the natural world. It is ideally suited for:

• Career Changers: Individuals looking to enter the wellness, retreat or corporate health industries.
• Wellness Entrepreneurs: For retreat owners, B&B hosts and lifestyle coaches who want to add a unique, high-value service to their existing business. This course provides a research-backed activity that attracts premium clients seeking deep relaxation.
• Wellbeing Advocates: Anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper connection with the outdoors.

The Essentials course provides the foundations for successfully leading forest bathing sessions in various conditions and seasons. This programme is delivered entirely online, meaning you can study from anywhere in the world with no requirement to visit the UK.

Course Structure  

• Flexible online learning designed for part-time or full-time students
• Duration: Approximately 5 months, with up to 8 months to submit all assignments at no extra cost (extensions available for a fee).
• Modules: 5 self-study modules. The training will be delivered by our online training platform containing videos from experts, downloadable files, a course manual and much more.
• Support: Two one-on-one, 45 minute calls with your private mentor. Three 1 hour group calls for Q&A, guidance, and deeper exploration of the course material

These calls provide opportunities for personal guidance from a tutor, question-and-answer sessions, and enhanced understanding of forest bathing principles.

Transform your passion for nature into the skills and confidence to guide meaningful forest bathing experiences.

This comprehensive 5-month training programme combines science, practical guiding skills, personal development, and business guidance to help you become a competent and confident Forest Bathing Guide.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore the evidence-based foundations of forest bathing, including the latest research into nature connection, forest ecology, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and wellbeing. You’ll also develop the practical skills needed to design, risk assess, and lead engaging forest bathing sessions in a variety of outdoor environments.

What makes this training unique is its balance of theory and practice. You’ll receive guided demonstrations, live tutor support, structured self-study, practical assignments, and personalised feedback as you build your confidence step by step.

• The science and research behind forest bathing and nature connection
• How forest bathing supports wellbeing, stress reduction, and nervous system regulation
• The Forest Bathing+ guiding framework, including sensory-based invitations and practices
• Session planning, route selection, risk assessment, and safeguarding
• Language, presentation skills, and holding space for participants
• Managing challenging situations and adapting sessions to different weather conditions
• Practical guidance on promoting and running paid forest bathing sessions

Each student is assigned a mentor who will contact you to arrange the two 45 minute 1-1 calls at a mutually convenient time.

The three group 1-hour calls will be scheduled for 6pm UK time and recorded so you can either join live or watch the recording afterwards.  

• Global Recognition: Study with an organisation at the forefront of social prescribing and NHS-supported research.
• Scientific Credibility: Learn the FB+ system, which is backed by peer-reviewed studies and university partnerships.
• Professional Flexibility: Gain the skills and confidence to lead groups and organise events at your own pace.
• Personal Growth: Deepen your own mindfulness practice while learning to facilitate stress reduction for others.

• Expert tutor guidance across the programme
• Live group Q&A and mentoring calls
• Recorded practical demonstrations and real-world examples
• Downloadable resources and templates
• Structured self-practice recommendations to deepen your own nature connection

The course materials will become available from September 11th 2026, and thereafter you can start this course with pre-recorded content as soon as you enrol. All you need is an internet connection and a desire to want to share nature connection with others.

To complete the programme, participants will need to:

• Complete all online learning modules
• Ideally, attend live group mentoring calls - recordings will be available
• Pass a theory assessment
• Submit a filmed practical guiding for assessment
• Complete a risk assessment assignment
• Obtain insurance, and a first aid qualification is also required. These are not included in the course cost.

Once you have obtained your first aid or outdoor first aid certificate plus insurance, we will complete your certification to guide small groups in the Forest Bathing + methodology.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to begin leading your own forest bathing experiences and sharing the benefits of nature connection with others.

You can customise your journey with optional additions:

• Practical Immersion Training in Surrey, UK.
• Meditation and Mindfulness for FB+ guiding 
• Additional One-to-one Mentoring sessions.
• Easy progression to our Professional Forest Bathing Guide certification at any time.