The newly established Forest Bathing West Cork, Cork co-op had earmarked March 21 for its launch event with inspirational guest speakers lined up including Bill Liao, Co-Founder of WeForest.org; Shirley Gleeson, Co- Founder of the Forest Therapy Institute in Ireland, and marine biologist/outdoor enthusiast Dr. Susan Steele. However the group will now be introducing the new eco-wellness guided practices in some of the forests throughout West Cork at a later date.
Grainne Bagnall, Chairperson of Forest Bathing West Cork, Cork said “she would still like to acknowledge and mark International Day of Forests by planting a tree in recognition of this. This occasion was to celebrate our forests globally and raise awareness of the importance of forest to all people and their vital role in environmental sustainability and food security. We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change. Research by Dr. Li in 2013 scientifically showed that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. We now need more than ever exposure to our forests to boost our immune system reduces stress and fight infection and improve our wellbeing and be safe in our communities.
Details of the new launch date will be announced in West Cork People in coming months.
