Even in ancient times, folk healers knew how to make use of natural plants based on experience, as well as the use of metaphorical spells to promote human health and well-being.
Modern research into the health and well-being effects of nature began in the United States in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, the familiar concept of 'forest bathing' emerged in Japan. In Finland, the first steps towards cooperation between forest research and medicine were taken in the early 2000s by researchers at the Parkano Research Station of the Finnish Forest Research Institute. The first well-being trail with signposts was created at the Ikaalinen spa in cooperation with the University of Tampere. This model has since been launched in several European countries. It is with good reason that we can say that the LH-Geopark area was the starting point of a development that has since diversified research in the field worldwide, produced significant innovations to promote human well-being and health, and given rise to a diverse range of businesses around wellness tourism.
The actual development of health forest activities in Finland started with the Three Health Forests Model Network project (2014-2016), funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. One of the models was the Sipoo Health Centre's experiment on the health benefits of nature walks as part of the care of people with mental health problems and type 2 diabetes. The Sipoo model has since served as an inspiration for the establishment of other health forests.
A health forest is an area or place where the well-being benefits of being in nature can be experienced above average. Health Forests raise awareness and interest in the health and well-being benefits of forest nature. Healthy Forest activities are guided excursions that aim to foster a connection with nature and enable people to experience the benefits of nature.
Healthy forestry activities can of course be carried out in a wide range of forests, whether economic, multifunctional or protected, which have characteristics that support well-being. Habitat types and the size of the area will influence the wellbeing effect on the visitor. However, studies have shown that intensive commercial forest use reduces the recreational value of forests, at least for a time.
There is currently no certification of health forests in Finland, but studies have described 31 quality criteria (31) that promote health and well-being. The criteria include accessibility, passability and paths, lack of built environment, fire and revitalising structures, different landforms, rock outcrops, glacial traces, tree cover, water elements, variability of habitats, open environments and views, sufficient extent, naturalness, silence and natural darkness at night. The Alki Mountain is one of the most diverse habitats in the Geopark, meeting all the criteria for a health forest.
The aim of the Health Forest is to deepen the natural connection of those who visit it, to strengthen the role of nature as a source of life management and joy, and to support the health and well-being of the participants. Come and discover the unique health forest of the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkankaan UNESCO Global Geopark in Alki Mountain!
For a fuller description of the topic, see www.lhgeopark.fi
