HAVE you discovered the delights of forest bathing?

Stuart Robinson believes spending time in the forest is the best way to benefit from the healing power of nature — and he has urged Islanders to try it for themselves.

He said: "The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the dappled sunlight playing through the leaves and dancing on the forest floor, the fresh clean air — these are things that give us comfort.

"They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality refresh and rejuvenate us."

In Japan, a practise called shinrin-yoku was first coined in 1982. It can be translated as forest bathing, where you 'bathe' in the environment of the forest.

Stuart said: "On the Isle of Wight we are blessed with having some of the UK's finest forest and woodland areas in Brighstone, Parkhurst, Bouldnor and Firestone Copse."

For further information, visit www.facebook.com/iowforestbathing