I tried forest bathing for the first time in Waterford — here are the health benefits

Research shows that being in woodlands can help reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol and stress levels, and improve cognitive function. Deirdre McArdle joins a forest bathing experience to discover for herself the benefits of being in nature 

Mindfulness teacher Catherine Sutton relaxing on a Nothafagus Dombeyi tree as part of her forest bathing event near Lismore, Co Waterford. Pictures: David Keane.

On A bright Sunday morning, I stepped into Catherine Sutton’s little piece of paradise on a hillside just outside Lismore, Co Waterford. When she first arrived, 24 years ago, it was overrun with ragweed and brambles. Now, it’s a cornucopia of trees and plants, all grown by Sutton, designed for communing with nature and wandering.

This is where our group of eight will be based for the next three hours for a forest-bathing experience, guided by Sutton, who trained with the Forest Bathing Hub.