Clear answers to common questions about forest therapy, supported by related research links where available.
What is forest therapy?
Forest therapy is a guided, evidence-informed nature-based practice that uses forests and green spaces to support physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. It is not simply recreation; it emphasizes intentional sensory engagement, safety, accessibility, and professional practice standards.
How is forest therapy different from hiking?
Hiking usually focuses on distance, exercise, or outdoor recreation. Forest therapy focuses on slow, structured engagement with the natural environment, including sensory awareness, restoration, reflection, and health-supportive interaction with place.
Who can benefit from forest therapy?
Forest therapy may support individuals, community groups, students, healthcare users, older adults, workplace teams, and people with limited access to restorative environments. Programs should be adapted to context, mobility, culture, climate, and participant needs.