Forest bathing (shinrin yoku) is the Japanese art of relaxation through being calm, quiet, and at peace amongst the trees, observing nature around you, while deep breathing and de-stressing. We all need some of that medicine after the past 12 months but before we can chill out completely there is a 5K or 10K trail run to be tackled in the new Forest Runner Series.

The new series follows on the success of the Forestry 100 Running Series in 2019 as a challenge to run 10 beautiful trail races to celebrate 100 years of the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission is now England's largest landowner with over 1,500 forests under management. 

The 2021 Forest Runner Series, supported by Merrell, has 10 race locations. And If you enter and run 10K at all 10 you will have completed 100K – a new-style Forestry 100! Events start on Sunday 12 September at Westonbirt National Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, and conclude on Sunday 28 November at the Forest of Dean, near Coleford, Gloucestershire. 

The other South of England fixtures are 26 September at Bedgebury Forest, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent (pictured above) and High Lodge Forest, near Brandon, Suffolk on 31 October.

With further venues in the Midlands and North of England, there is the opportunity for some autumn woodland tourism as you discover delightful new places to run and to 'forest bathe' in the glorious surroundings, together with a post-run picnic or lunch from the onsite cafe or catering facilities.

All finishers will receive a goody bag with a Forest Runner neck tube and medal and category winners will be presented with solid oak trophies. There will also be some special awards from Merrell. Entry fees will help preserve the nation's forests for future generations to enjoy. 

Entries are online at Forestry England and must be made at least two weeks in advance. All standards are welcome and the only restrictions are that competitors must be at least 12 years old for the 5K and a minimum of 16 years for the 10K.    

Image: Forest Runner Series at Bedgebury Forest