Mick Cowles (left) and Wayne Ingram of Surviving Minds Foundation. Picture: Dorset Biz News.
Published: October 29, 2021 | Updated: 30th October 2021
It became virtually a second home during their combined 42 years in the armed forces.
Former soldiers Wayne Ingram and Mick Cowles, both specialists in reconnaissance, spent weeks – and sometimes months – in forests and woods.
And while they may have been on active service they, more than anyone, can testify to the health benefits that can come from spending time under the trees.
Indeed, the Japanese even have a name for it – Shinrin Yoku.
Shinrin in Japanese means ‘forest’ and yoku means ‘bath’.
Put the two together and Shinrin Yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere or taking in the forest through our senses.
And the health benefits?
The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air – all can give a sense of comfort and more.
As a result, Japan’s national Forestry Agency has created 48 official ‘Forest Therapy’ trails.
They’re dedicated to encouraging people to head out to breathe in the stress-busting air and enjoy the health benefits of a walk among the trees.
Wayne, 52, who spent 18 years in the British Army, said: “It can ease stress and worry, help you to relax and also make you think more clearly.
“Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.”
Mick, 57, a soldier for 24 years, added: “Volatile substances in the forest air, called phytoncides (wood essential oils), have been proven to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones.
“Four hours spent in the forest or woods can provide the equivalent of a month’s worth of what’s required.”
Now the two long-time colleagues and friends have joined forces to launch a business dedicated to bringing the benefits of the forest to firms, organisations, families and individuals.
Surviving Minds Foundation uses the 25-acre Marl Pits Wood near Dorchester to host a range of activities.
They include:
Landowner Richard Frampton Hobbs, a former senior officer in the British Army and owner of the Moreton Estate, has allowed Wayne and Mick unconditional use of the land.
Many of the sessions take place round a campfire and under a draped parachute.
Surviving Minds Foundation only officially began trading in March this year but already 300 people have been on its wellbeing and other activity sessions.
They include frontline teams from the National Health Service and also the private sector such as care homes.
It’s been an opportunity to spend time together, away from their work location, and share experiences and feelings as well as reflect on the last 18 months.
Mick said: “We encourage people to open up and talk around the campfire and, yes, there have been tears and very emotional moments.
“They had to be strong to carry on but our message is: it’s alright to cry.”
The feedback to the sessions, which range from four hours to all-day and even overnight, has both astonished and delighted the former military men.
Wayne, who was made a MBE this year for his charity work, said: “We never expected it to take off in the way it has.
“We have 5 out of 5 on our Google reviews and the feedback scores from the health teams have been as high as 6.9 out of 7.
“The response has been just amazing.
“We call it the three ‘R’s’ – reconnect, relax and recharge.
“Without doubt, we’re fulfilling a need at just the right time for many people.”
Comments received include:
Wayne said that although bushcraft skills and survival training was commonplace he was not aware of others specifically doing woodland wellbeing.
“We think we’re providing something very different,” he said.
Mick said: “People are sometimes surprised that two ex-squaddies like us are so steeped in the history and mythology of woodland.
“We’ve spent much of our lives in forests and woods and have a deep understanding and respect for them.
“It’s just so good that we can share this with others.”
