RDS Irish Forest & Woodland Awards 2026 — Native Woodland Conservation Award Winner
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Our Mission
Branches of the Mind offers guided forest therapy sessions in the native woodlands of rural Mayo, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku.
The Science
What the forest does for you
Reduce Stress
Time among trees can measurably lower cortisol — the body's primary stress hormone. The parasympathetic nervous system, often overwhelmed by modern life, finds space to settle.
Strengthen Immunity
Trees release phytoncides — natural antimicrobial compounds — that have been shown to increase natural killer cell (white blood cell) activity in the body for days after a single walk.
Restore the Mind
Natural environments allow directed attention to quietly recover. Anxiety softens. Sleep deepens. Focus returns — not through effort, but through unhurried presence.
Who This Is For
Gentle restoration of wellbeing.
These walks are for anyone seeking calm and connection with nature. If you're living with illness, navigating stress or burnout, or simply longing to immerse yourself in nature, forest therapy will take you on a journey.
No fitness level required, gentle breathing exercises and opening of all your senses. Just the forest, your pace, and the gentle support of guided presence.
About Us
Branches of the Mind was born from a simple conviction: that time spent among trees and nature, with purpose and presence, can be profoundly healing.
Branches of the Mind is located in the townland of Furnace, Partry, in the heart of the newly designated Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark. A newly planted 21 acre hardwood forest, established in 2007, complements the ten acres of ancient Atlantic rainforest, which have been preserved with sensitivity and respect for their ecological importance.
We will work individually or collectively with persons living with cancer and those seeking nature-based approaches to wellbeing. Our practice is based on the growing body of research into the health benefits of forest environments, and by the Japanese tradition that has understood these benefits for generations.
This is not about exercise or identification of species. It is about slowing down, opening the senses, and allowing the forest atmosphere to do its quiet, restorative work. Every walk is unhurried, gentle, and held with care.
We believe that the natural world has an intelligence and a generosity that we can learn to receive — if we give ourselves permission to accept.
Recognition
Forest Conservation Award
RDS Irish Forest & Woodland Awards 2026 — Native Woodland Conservation Award Winner
Paul's native woodland in County Mayo has been formally recognised by the RDS, the Heritage Council, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Woodlands of Ireland, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for its outstanding conservation value.
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Get in Touch
All bookings are made via email or WhatsApp. Get in touch directly and we'll find a time that works for you.
Please note: we are not accepting new bookings at this time.
Email:info@branchesofthemind.ie
Phone:+353 83 115 6799
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