Forest Therapy ~ Lichen ( healing where a forest can touch the soul )

In forest therapy, lichen is a symbol of co-creation and purity. It is not one life, but a partnership a fungus and an alga living in quiet cooperation, each sustaining the other. Where lichen grows, the air is clean and the forest breathes freely.
To pause beside it is to feel the rhythm of slow creation growth without haste, harmony without dominance. Lichen reminds us that life flourishes through trust, balance, and shared becoming, even in the quietest places.
As this will be our final forest therapy of 2025, may we remember that our group itself is a form of lichen a living co-creation between a facilitator and participants. Each person brings presence, respect, heart, and together we create something that none of us could create alone: “ a sanctuary of healing where the forest can touch the soul.”

Meeting Points
🍃 Option1: ( For Groupsave train ticket )
9AM London Bridge Rail Station's TICKET OFFICE and
see photo below for train timetable.

OR
🍃 Option 2
10:33 Chilworth Station
The organiser will be driving and waiting from there.

🍃 Start: Chilworth Station 10:33AM

🍃 Finish: Chilworth Station ETA 4PM (estimated; please avoid scheduling any appointments afterward)

🍃 Walk : appx 12 km

🍃 Pace: average 4.5 to 5.5 km per hour and we may pause for a few times.

🍃 Break: 20 mins, please bring your own pack lunch and sufficient water.
Procedures.

💚 Cost: Free and cash contributions are welcome to cover meet up running costs and to keep this group sustainable.

🍃 Procedures : The event will include Guided Grounding Meditation, and a Sensory Attunement Activity to support presence, connection, and embodied engagement throughout the experience.

🍃 Reminder: please refrain from constant chatting, loud voices, and mobile phone use during the event. Let’s offer space for presence, stillness, and quiet reflection.

🍃 Recommendation : It’s best to avoid eating heavily before the event.
Drink plenty of water afterwards to support for integration.

🎒What to bring:
Packed lunch, sufficient water, picnic mat, cash for groupsave train ticket,
Waterproof hiking shoes, light blanket ,
Dress in layers and check current weather forecast.

🌿 Important Notes

• As this is an outdoor event, plans may be adjusted or cancelled due to weather conditions.
• Train times or transport logistics may also change. Please stay alert for updates.
• Turn on notifications or check your messages for any last-minute modifications.

GROUP RULES
🌲 1 RSVP & Attendance
Events are for members only. Please RSVP only if you genuinely intend to attend, and kindly avoid repeated no-shows or late cancellations (less than 24 hours), as this may prevent others on the waiting list from joining.
Members on the waiting list may only attend if approved by the event host.
🌲 2 Attendance & Prioritisation
The organiser reserves the right to prioritise members who are regular, respectful of the Group’s rules, and who show a sincere connection to Nature. Priority may be given to those who offer constructive or positive feedback in recognition of the organiser’s time, effort, and contributions.
🌲 3 Mutual Respect & Boundaries
This is a non-judgmental and emotionally safe space. Please respect personal boundaries, avoid giving unsolicited advice, and offer presence with kindness and sensitivity. Disrespectful, aggressive, or ungrateful behaviour toward the organiser or members will not be tolerated.
🌲 4 Conduct & Environmental Care
Please refrain from disruptive behaviour and remain respectful of both the group and the natural environment. Smoking or vaping is not permitted during events. Do not leave any litter or waste in the forest.
🌲 5 Quiet & Mindfulness
All events are intentionally quiet and mindful. Please keep voice levels low and let the sound of Nature restore balance to the nervous system. The area within 15 metres of the facilitator is a designated Quiet Zone.
✨ Final Note
Members who disregard these rules, disrupt the experience for others, or show a lack of care for the space will be gently but firmly removed.
DISCLAIMER
By joining this group , you acknowledge and agree to the following:
🍃 This is a free, informal, and peer-led community gathering offered for the purpose of shared wellbeing and connection with nature.
🍃 Although the facilitator is professionally trained and certified in forest therapy and outdoor first aid, this event is offered voluntarily, not as part of any business, commercial service, or professional therapy practice.
🍃 All participants must be 18 or older and are fully responsible for their own safety, health, and wellbeing throughout the event. Outdoor environments do carry inherent risks, and participation is entirely voluntary and undertaken at each individual’s own discretion and risk.
🍃 The organiser, guides, or event hosts accept no liability for any injury (including personal injury or fatal accidents), illness, loss, damage, or disputes that may occur before, during, or after the event.
🍃 You are encouraged to carry personal accident or travel insurance if you feel this is appropriate for your needs.
🍃 Please assess your own physical and emotional readiness to participate. If you have any medical or psychological conditions that may affect your experience, it is your responsibility to manage them appropriately and/or seek advice in advance.
🍃 All event descriptions including timing, distance, pace, and attendance are approximate and may change due to weather, terrain, transport, or other unforeseen circumstances.
🍃 Occasionally, photos or short videos may be taken for motivational, reflective, or educational purposes. If you do not wish to appear in any media, kindly inform the organiser before the session begins.
🍃 By attending, you agree to respect the Countryside Code;
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors
all natural spaces, and take personal responsibility for your presence and conduct during the event.
🍃 Events take place on public rights of way or permitted access land. Participants are encouraged to be aware of their responsibilities under the CROW Act (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) when enjoying nature.
🔗 UK Government Guidance on Open Access Land and the CROW Act:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities