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Forest Bathing & Guided Walks – Risks, Safety and Preparation

These terms apply to all Nature To Go events, including Forest Bathing experiences, guided forest walks, and guided hikes. Please read the following carefully before attending an event.

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Nature-Based Activities & Inherent Risks

All Nature To Go events take place outdoors in natural environments. Activities may include slow walking, hiking, deep breathing, standing, sitting, and occasionally lying down.

Outdoor and nature-based activities carry inherent risks. These may include uneven, wet, muddy or slippery ground; tree roots, branches, fallen trees, hanging branches; changes in weather; and physical exertion. These conditions may result in trips, slips, falls, injury, or, in rare cases, serious injury.

By taking part in a Nature To Go event, participants acknowledge and accept these risks and confirm that they are responsible for their own actions, behaviour, and participation throughout the event.

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Forest Bathing – Specific Considerations

Forest Bathing involves slow, mindful movement through woodland, breathing exercises, periods of stillness, and sitting or lying down.

Physical risks are similar to those associated with gentle walking and breathing exercises in natural environments and include natural hazards such as roots, branches, uneven ground, and weather exposure.

Forest Bathing can also be an emotional experience. Participants may notice emotions, memories, or reflections arising during the session. This is a normal and natural response and can occur as the body relaxes and releases tension.

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Guided Walks & Hikes – Specific Considerations

Guided walks and hikes may involve longer distances, uneven terrain, inclines, and sustained walking. Some routes may be physically demanding and require a reasonable level of fitness.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have an appropriate level of fitness for the event they have booked. If you are unsure about your ability to participate, please consult your GP before attending.

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How to Prepare

Appropriate clothing and equipment are essential for all events.

• Wear suitable footwear that fully covers and supports your feet and ankles

• A warm, waterproof jacket is required for all events

• Forest Bathing sessions involve slower movement and periods of standing, sitting, or lying down, regardless of the weather

Participants may bring water, snacks, personal medication, and any additional walking equipment they require. The guide will provide a waterproof mat for Forest Bathing sessions.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they are adequately prepared for the conditions and activities involved.

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Weather

Events will proceed in most weather conditions, including rain. Participants should be prepared for wet, windy, or challenging conditions.

An event may be cancelled or altered only if a Met Éireann weather warning is issued or if conditions are deemed unsafe. In such cases, participants will be notified as soon as possible and offered a rescheduled date. If no suitable alternative date can be arranged, a full refund will be issued.

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Safety & Participant Responsibilities

Nature To Go makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Participants agree to:

• Follow all instructions and guidance given by the event leader

• Comply with all health and safety requirements

• Act in a manner that does not endanger themselves, other participants, or the natural environment

Participants must not take part in any event under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone believed to be intoxicated may be refused participation or asked to leave the event for safety reasons.

The event leader may alter the route, itinerary, or activities at their discretion to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and welfare of the group. Such decisions are final and are not grounds for refunds.

The leader may exclude any participant on health, fitness, or safety grounds, or if their behaviour is believed to jeopardise the safety of themselves or others.

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Medical Conditions

If you have any medical conditions, are taking prescribed medication, or have any health concerns, please consult your GP before attending an event.

If you currently experience or have a history of serious physical or mental health conditions (including operations, medical procedures, seizures, implants, special needs, or similar), please inform us in advance so we can support you appropriately.

A natural tea gathering takes place during most events. Please inform us of any allergies in advance.

Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to accommodate participants with walking disabilities due to safety considerations.

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Children

Most tours and events are suitable for children. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Forest Bathing experiences are suitable for participants aged 13 and over. Family Forest Discovery Sessions are suitable for families with children aged six and over.

Forest-based sessions are meditative and quiet in nature. Excessive noise will not be permitted.

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Pets

Pets on a leash are permitted only during Family Forest Discovery Sessions and Guided Forest Walks. Participants are responsible for complying with all Nature Reserve rules and regulations.

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Photographs

Photographs may occasionally be taken during events and used for promotional purposes, including on the website and social media. If you do not wish your image to be used, please inform us before or during the event.

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Leave No Trace

All Nature To Go events follow strict Leave No Trace principles. Some events do not allow single-use plastics in line with National Park guidelines.

Further information: https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/

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Data Protection

Personal information collected at booking and thereafter is stored securely and used solely to deliver Nature To Go events. Contact details may be used to inform participants of future events or offers. You may opt out at any time.

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Refund Policy

All tickets must be booked and paid for in advance. All sales are final.

Due to small group sizes and the nature of the events, participant cancellations are not permitted. Bookings may be rescheduled or transferred to another person. No refunds are issued for non-attendance.

If Nature To Go cancels an event, participants will be offered an alternative date or a full refund if no suitable date can be arranged.

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