The first diploma in Forest bathing arrives

By now many know it. Walking in the forest brings various benefits to the body, starting with the reduction of stress. However, not all woods are the same, but some are healthier than others. Yes, because some green areas have greater effects on our health, by virtue of various parameters such as the presence of negative ions, considered enemies of oxidative processes and friends of cognitive performance. Or monoterpenes, volatile substances that strengthen the immune system when inhaled.

As proof of this, thesuitability for forest welfare, a rigorous scientific certification developed for the first time in the world by our country. In fact, the approximately 60 indicators were established PEFC Italy (Italian offshoot of the international NGO that promotes sustainable forest management), in collaboration with theagronomist Marco Mencagliauthor of The secret therapy of trees. And among the forests considered most suitable for well-being is the Breath Park of Fai della Paganella, which has become a privileged place for a brand new course of study which enables one to become an operator of Forest bathing.

Breath Park

«Not all woods are equally suitable for hosting experiences for health purposes and for the pursuit of psycho-physical well-being. The standard that we have created in collaboration with the agronomist Mencagli represents an original screening criterion of the characteristics that forest areas should possess for the favorable performance of activities aimed at the self-promotion of psycho-physical well-being, including Forest Bathing», explains Antonio Brunori, Secretary General of PEFC Italy. The Breath Park with its 36 hectares in the shade of the Brenta Dolomites is considered a real “therapeutic park”.

We are at Make some Paganella, in Trentino, close to the Adamello Brenta Geopark Natural Park, on a wooded terrace just below a thousand metres. The area is a mixed forest of deciduous and coniferous trees, clearings and streams, which invites you to relax in the presence of trees considered particularly energetic. There is the so-called magic beech or the big spruce, ideal to hug to release tension and recharge the batteries. There are streams and streams beech trees, points where you can breathe deeply because natural ionization is greater. It’s still sensory pathways where to take off your shoes and re-establish contact with the earth on different natural surfaces.

The course

In such a “healthy” place it is understandable why so many holistic activities are widespread. Starting right from the sessions of the courseopen to all adults, to become operators of Forest bathing. The lessons are held with professionals in the sector both online and in presence from November to June and allow you to obtain a CSEN national diploma in forest bathing technician and forest welfare expert. The training course was born from the collaboration between PEFC Italy and CS extensionNational Educational Sports Center and first CONI National Body recognized for social activities by the Ministry of the Interior.

The other natural jewels

In the Paganella Dolomites holiday area, nature offers not only well-being, but also fun. It is the case of Dolomiti Paganella Bike Park, an outdoor area with three bike zones suitable for different preparations. From the 38 technical km of Make some Paganella to the flow trails of Andalo, up to the routes suitable for the whole family of Molveno. Here extends the placid lake with emerald waters where you can follow trekking routes in the woods, relax in the sun on the small beaches or taste the local delicacies from the panoramic refuge La Baita Fortini di Napoleone.

Moving to Spormaggiore, you enter the Wildlife park of 5 hectares, where the large animals of the Alps from seizures, zoological gardens or unsuitable contexts find semi-natural conditions, and are no longer able to be released. Brown bears, wolves, lynxes, wild cats, roe deer and foxes live in the woods, streams and ravines dedicated to them. And after all these experiences, you can rest in the many farmhouses on the plateau, learning the secrets of local delicacies. It is the case of Florandolewhich produces delicious honey and teaches the secrets of mountain beekeeping with its educational hives among multicolored flowers.