The New Year often arrives with pressure. New goals. New habits. New versions of ourselves. But what if this year, instead of trying to do more, we chose to feel more connected to Nature ? In Ireland, we are surrounded by nature and yet many of us feel disconnected from it. A recent large-scale international study exploring nature connectedness across 61 countries found that access to green space alone does not guarantee a strong sense of connection to nature (1). Being near

With great weather and spring finally arriving in Ireland, there’s no better time to dust off your boots and hit the trails. Wicklow is bursting into life again – wildflowers are starting to bloom, birds are singing louder than ever, and the longer days mean more time to explore. Whether you’re craving a forest stroll or a full-day mountain adventure, County Wicklow has a hike for every kind of walker. Here are five of my favourite hikes in Wicklow – tried, tested, and guaran

Recently, I came across a truly inspiring book called Ekopsychiatria. Jak bliskość natury wspiera naszą psychikę  ( Ecopsychiatry: How Closeness to Nature Supports Our Psyche ). Written in Polish, it delves into the profound connection between nature and mental health. Though it’s not available in English, I felt its message was too important not to share. This book isn’t just about mental health; it’s about rediscovering something we’ve lost in the hustle of modern life, our

Autumn is nature’s way of telling us it’s time to slow down and reflect on passing time and changes. The vibrant energy of summer fades, and in its place, we find a quiet beauty—crisp air, rustling leaves, and the gradual change of colors. It’s the perfect season to take a step back, reflect, and recharge. If you're feeling the need to ease into the slower rhythm of autumn, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of this peaceful time of year. 1. Reflect on What Matter

If you're a nature enthusiast, like us, and looking for some of the best nature hikes in County Wicklow, look no further! Co. Wicklow, often referred to as the "Garden of Ireland," boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes and serene nature reserves in the country. Here are five must-visit hikes that will immerse you in the beauty of Wicklow's natural wonders. 1. Vale of Clara Nature Reserve The Vale of Clara Nature Reserve is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Wicklow

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku , is a wonderful way to connect with nature and reduce stress in adults. However, adults are not the only beneficiaries of spending time in nature. Kids also have a lot to gain from interacting with the natural world. Here are 10 fantastic nature-based activities you can enjoy with children: Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for the kids to find in the forest, such as pinecones, leaves of different shapes and colors, flowers, intere

The modern urban lifestyle offers countless conveniences and opportunities, but it often comes at a cost to our connection with ourselves and nature. As cities continue to grow and our lives become busier, the concept of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, might seem like an unattainable luxury. However, even amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, there are simple ways to embrace the principles of nature connectedness and reap the benefits it offers. Trinity College Botanic

The coming Tree Week , held by Tree Council in Ireland, is a week full of activities from tree planting and arts to woodland walks and webinars. This event prompted me to learn more about Irish native tree species . I decided to go for a walk to the largest native hardwood forest in Ireland - Vale of Clara Nature Reserve, Co. Wicklow. The first tree that emerges above the others is an oak - tall, powerful, with beautiful branches and many different mosses and lichens growi

Nature connectedness refers to how much individuals see nature as part of their personal identity. People with a stronger connection to nature tend to experience greater happiness and a sense that their lives have meaning. Nature can evoke positive emotions like calmness, joy, and creativity, and it can also improve concentration. For children, being connected to nature offers numerous benefits. It helps them develop healthy, resilient bodies, enhances their social skills, a

At Nature To Go , we're all about health and well-being (naturally!) and we love to share the latest research on the benefits of exposure to nature on human health and well-being. Mother nature has a lot to offer—not only does she provide such essentials as food, clean water, and the air we breathe but she can also have a beneficial impact on our health²⁻⁹. If you have felt under the weather lately, we have an easy solution to make you feel better at almost no cost. Research

Forest Bathing or shinrin-yoku is a preventive medicine technique that comes from Japan and means immersing your senses in the atmosphere of a forest. This nature-connection method was established back in the 1980s and has been proven scientifically to reduce stress (lower cortisol levels in the blood after one session), improve your mood (by increased production of serotonin) and boost your immune system ( by increased production of NK cells in our body). (*) How is this