March 21 International Day of Forests

March 21 International Day of Forests

by Little Wandering Wren

International Forest Day was established, by the United Nations following Interna-tional Year of the Forests in 2011.

It was established ‘to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of trees and forests our lives and for those in future generations.’

Let’s join in the spirit of the day by enjoying some Forest Bathing. I’ll taking you for a wander to one of my most joyful Bangkok escapes to the country, Little Tree Garden Cafe in Nakhon Pathom. Come for a lovely lunch and let’s return to our roots.

What is Forest Bathing?

When I heard of Forest Bathing, I was intrigued. It hales from Japan where it is known as “Shinrin-yoku” which literally means forest bath… but without the water!

One of my favourite books at the moment is called Into the Forest : How trees can help you find Health and Happiness by Dr Qing Li.

In this book Dr Li describes forest-bathing to means ‘bathing in the forest atmosphere or connecting with nature through all our senses’. In his native Japan he shows us where you can go to connect with the world through forests.

Across the world Forest Bathing is becoming popular. It is generally free, anyone can par-ticipate, you just need a forest or at least some trees, and it is good, clean wholesome boost for the soul!

Why I am a tree hugger!

It maybe the little Wren in me, but I have always had serious tree hugging tendencies. I just adore trees. In fact, reflecting on all my favourite homes across the years, they all had one thing in common, a garden where I could hear the little birds sing.

These gardens were special because of the trees. We had horse chestnut trees in Eng-land’s green and pleasant land. These majestic trees produced huge shiny conkers of treasure. Each autumn as a young child, I would unwrap these precious nuts, hidden in-side prickly green shells.

What’s in it for me?

Forest Bathing or ‘shinrin-yoku’ was first developed in Japan in the 1980s, following sci-entific studies conducted by the government. It is catching on.

Britain’s Woodland Trust suggests Forest Bathing should be among a range of non med-ical therapies recommended by GPs’ surgeries to boost patients’ boost well being.

In America there is an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy with Forest Therapy Guide training programmes on offer across the globe.

Studies show two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and improve concentration and memory.

Trees releases chemicals called phytoncides, which have an anti-microbial effect on hu-man bodies, boosting the immune system.

We would play a game of conkers. A champion emerged with the strongest conker as the tree leaves turned golden and fell from the trees. Without knowing it, I had my first forest bathing experience.

In Melbourne, Australia we have elegant silver birch trees which grace the front garden of our Aussie home. These trees are a safe haven for the raucous rainbow lorikeets and ring-tailed possums who take up residence in our suburban tree lined street.

Here in Thailand, I work hard at feeling less removed from nature. I even have a rescue tree in a pot in my current Bangkok condo.

Readers of my Little Wandering Wren blog will remember the joy of moving this tree from my much loved (now sadly knocked down sob, sob) Embassy Place Apartment, to its cur-rent

Sukhumvit home. My tree high above, on the thirtieth floor balcony makes me happy each day, and ecstatic when I was joined by a pair a nesting noisy sunbirds.

Bless, their amazing endeavours building a home at such dizzy heights. That’s the power of trees for you.

Full Story: https://expatlifeinthailand.com/featured/march-21-international-day-of-forests/