Denmans Garden collaborates in a variety of ways with local artists and makers, be that through hosting events and workshops, showcasing work in the gift shop and garden or through providing inspiration and materials.As part of an occasional series, we interview some of these artists and creatives on our blog to find out more about their work and inspiration.

This Autumn, Chantelle Manz is coming to Denmans Garden to host ‘Forest Bathing’ sessions. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku – “bathing in the forest atmosphere” – these gentle, guided sessions invite participants to explore the garden in a slower, more mindful way helping them to notice surrounding sights, sounds, textures and scents. Spending time in nature this way, along with mindful breathing exercises, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity and improve overall wellbeing.

We talked to Chantelle to get a bit more insight into her business, The Naturally Curious, and what to expect from her forest bathing sessions:

I’m very much an outdoorsy person. As a child I spent most of my time outside climbing trees, swimming in rivers, and exploring. That love for nature never really left me, and looking back I realised that during every life challenge, being outdoors was always part of my healing process.

After nearly 20 years in the corporate world, I reached a point where I wanted to live more in line with my values and do more of what truly brought me joy. In 2023 I retrained, becoming a fully accredited Forest Bathing guide after a year of study. I also hold Mental Health First Aid and Outdoor First Aid certifications to ensure that the groups I guide are supported and safe. Setting up The Naturally Curious has allowed me to combine my love of nature with my passion for helping people, sharing practices that have supported me and creating spaces for others to experience the same benefits.

The business really grew out of my own experience. I was doing for myself what I now guide others through, taking time to slow down, immerse in nature, and reconnect. I found it not only calmed me but also helped me get to know myself better. When I began learning about the science and research behind these experiences, how they reduce stress, boost immunity, and support mental wellbeing, I felt compelled to share it more widely.

I wanted to make it simple and accessible, so The Naturally Curious evolved into offering different ways for people to connect: from gentle Forest Bathing sessions to more adventurous outdoor experiences and, for those who want to go deeper, retreats and workshops.

When I’m guiding a group, I may have a plan in mind, but over time I’ve realised that I’m not the only guide out there, nature is the real guide. For example, I might invite people to listen for birdsong, but then a sudden gust of wind could send autumn leaves tumbling like confetti, shifting our attention from sound to sight. I can’t control that, and I’ve learned to let nature lead us. Those unexpected moments are often the most powerful.

The same is true when heading out at different times of year. In summer we might walk through a tunnel of lush green foliage, but in winter the same path opens up to reveal the sky and clouds above. Each season changes the experience completely. Nature leads, and we simply follow.

Forest Bathing is about slowing down. By walking slowly and engaging the senses, we notice things we would normally miss. We might start with a wide view of the landscape, but end up marvelling at the intricate pattern of moss or the feel of bark under our hands.

Engaging the senses isn’t just for enjoyment, there’s science happening at the same time. Breathing in woodland scents, for example, means we’re inhaling natural compounds released by trees and plants, which support our immune system. Focusing on sound, sight, or touch helps move the body from “fight or flight” into “rest and digest,” where calm and healing can occur. Every sensory invitation is designed to gently open up these benefits.

Those coming to Forest Bathing for the first time can expect a very slow, silent walk with regular pauses to engage the senses in different ways. We’ll take deep breaths to calm the nervous system, and sometimes we’ll share reflections with the group, though that’s always optional. Sessions usually finish with time for stillness, often a guided relaxation or quiet breathwork while seated or lying under the trees. For longer session, we also do a little tea-tasting experience. It’s an opportunity to simply be, to reflect, and to feel restored. Groups are kept small to create a safe, supportive space, so while you may come alone, you’ll be part of a gentle community experience.

I knew Denmans because I lived locally, and instantly felt it was a hidden gem. What makes it special for me is that it’s a garden of contrasts. You move from structured, designed areas to wilder spots like the meadow and woodland path. That diversity makes any natural space richer, but here it also feels like a quiet reflection of how beautiful diversity can be in nature. Every visit draws my attention to something different, sometimes it’s the play of reflections on the pond, other times the soft movement of grasses in the breeze. I love that you can find your own corner to sit quietly and feel as though you’re in a private pocket of nature.

No two of my working days are the same, which I love. One day I might be guiding a Forest Bathing group in the woods, the next I could be out with teenagers on their Duke of Edinburgh training hike, or co-hosting a wellbeing retreat with other practitioners. Other days are spent planning new workshops, researching ways to support my local community, or volunteering with the National Trust to help care for the South Downs.

The common thread is that nature is always at the heart of my day, whether I’m guiding others or recharging myself outdoors.

For me, switching off is about being fully present. Often that means getting outside, heading to the gym, taking a solo hike with my OS maps on new routes, or spending time rewilding my garden since moving house. Meditation is also part of my daily routine, even if it’s just five minutes between tasks.

I also love reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Volunteering with the National Trust gives me a sense of purpose too. Whatever the activity, if I’m completely engaged in the moment, that’s when I feel most rested.

I’m really excited about what’s ahead. At the moment, I’m developing new nature-connection workshops to give people different ways to engage with nature, in the colder months, depending on their needs and the time they have. I’m also working towards becoming a recognised social prescribing supplier, so people can be referred to nature-based practices for their health and wellbeing.

Looking ahead, I’ll be running wellness retreats, both in the UK and abroad, often in collaboration with other practitioners to create beautiful, lasting experiences. My hope is to keep building community, making nature accessible, and helping people discover the powerful role it can play in their everyday lives.

Forest Bathing

Monday 1^st December – 9:30am to 11am

Booking via www.thenaturallycurious.co.uk/bookanexperience

Session fee: £35 (includes entry fee to Denmans Garden)

For further information, please email Chantelle at hello@thenaturallycurious.co.uk

For more about Chantelle and The Naturally Curious: