Community Spotlight
Forest Therapy Nurtures Minds at Deakin University
Deakin University’s new campus-based Forest Therapy trail uses the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku to help students and staff reduce stress, boost wellbeing, and deepen their connection with nature.
Forest Therapy train at Deakin University
At Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, nature itself has become a classroom for wellbeing. In 2024, the university unveiled the world’s first campus-based Forest Therapy trail – a collaboration spanning psychology, health, architecture, sustainability, and student services, in partnership with the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance.
Rooted in Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” the trail invites students, staff, and community members to immerse their senses in nature. This simple yet powerful experience has been shown to ease stress, lift mood, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
A pilot study led by Associate Professor Melissa O’Shea found that Forest Therapy not only reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety but also enhances the benefits of other mental health supports. By blending traditional wisdom with modern research, Deakin University is redefining what it means to nurture both people and the planet.