Why Walk with a Guide? 5 Reasons to Explore Gloucestershire’s Woodlands with WildBirch

A green, leafy view of a woodland by WildBirch

Spending time in a woodland doesn’t just feel good — it is good for us. Research shows that being among trees can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve energy levels. But there’s more to a walk in the woods than simply putting one foot in front of the other.

When you walk with a guide, especially someone with a deep love and understanding of the landscape, the woods begin to reveal their stories. With nearly 18 years of arboricultural experience, Lindsey’s walks are filled with insights into trees, fungi, and the quiet magic of Gloucestershire’s natural spaces.

Here are five reasons to experience a guided walk with WildBirch:

#1 Discover the Hidden Life of the Woods

Any walk in the woods can lift your spirits — but with Lindsey as your guide, you’ll start to see the woodland in a whole new light. As a qualified Arboricultural Consultant, she brings expert knowledge of trees, fungi, and their fascinating interactions. You’ll come away seeing the woodland not just as a beautiful place, but as a living, breathing ecosystem.

Oyster fungi on tree stump; Guided woodland walk in Gloucestershire led by WildBirch

#2 No Two Walks Are Ever the Same

Nature is always changing — day by day, season by season. Each woodland walk brings something different: from emerging fungi after rainfall, to birdsong in spring, or golden canopies in autumn. Even familiar paths can offer new perspectives if you slow down and truly look.

#3 A Space to Simply ‘Be’

After the death of her late husband in 2021, Lindsey found peace in the woods. It became a place to walk, to reflect, and to feel close to him — a quiet, grounding space to simply be. That stillness and presence now form the heart of every WildBirch walk. As Rick Warren put it, “We are human beings, not human doings.”

Forest bathing experience with WildBirch, in Cheltenham woodland

#4 Try Forest Bathing (Even if You’re Not Sure It’s for You)

WildBirch walks can also include a 30-minute forest bathing session — a calming, sensory experience inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. After a gentle, informative walk, forest bathing helps you connect with the woods in a deeper, more mindful way. It’s not about doing — it’s about noticing. Even those who are unsure often leave feeling grounded and refreshed.

Further reading and research: Spending time among trees has many proven physiological benefits (a few mentioned above) — as explored in Into the Forest by Dr Qing Li of Nippon Medical School, one of the world’s leading researchers on forest bathing. If you're curious about the deeper, emotional benefits of connecting with nature, you might also enjoy the work of Professor Miles Richardson at the University of Derby. His research highlights the emotional and psychological importance of engaging meaningfully with the natural world — a great starting point is Beyond Knowing Nature – 5 Pathways to Nature Connection.

#5 Walk With Someone Who Cares Deeply

Lindsey doesn’t just know about trees — she truly cares about them, and about sharing their story. Whether you're a curious beginner or a lifelong nature lover, her walks are welcoming, inclusive, and full of insight. They’re designed to inspire a deeper appreciation of nature, one step at a time.

Ready to experience Gloucestershire’s woodlands in a new way? Browse our upcoming guided woodland walks and guided woodland walks and forest bathing experiences and join us on a journey through nature.