Background: Katie Taylor, a freelance artist and outdoors practitioner, is completing her Forest Bathing Guide qualification through the Forest Bathing Institute. As part of her growing career, she aims to use forest bathing as a tool to help people connect with nature, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the natural world—an important step in addressing the climate emergency.
Project Objectives: The primary goal of this project was to support Katie in launching her career as a forest bathing guide. Through her sessions, Katie encourages participants to engage more deeply with nature, promoting mindfulness and a greater appreciation for the environment.
Challenges and Solutions: Katie faced some initial difficulties with planning and running her sessions, especially when dealing with unpredictable Scottish weather. However, through practice and experience, she became more adept at handling various challenges, allowing her to adapt and improve her sessions over time.
Impact of the Fund: The support from the Cairngorms Trust Youth Local Action Group Fund has been instrumental in Katie’s journey. The fund helped cover essential expenses such as insurance and outdoor first aid training, which were critical for her professional development. It also enabled her to purchase equipment to enhance the comfort of her participants during sessions. Items such as cork mats for sitting, flasks for hot drinks, hand warmers, and midge nets have proven especially useful, particularly during Scotland’s often wet and midgy summers.
For more information: Visit Katie’s website to learn more about her services: katietaylor.co.uk/services-6
