Based on sylvotherapy (forest therapy) training and scientifically backed studies, it has been found that you don’t actually need to be standing in the forest to receive some of the benefits of trees. Our nervous systems are beautifully responsive and even small, intentional connections with nature can make a difference to our wellbeing. While nothing fully replaces time in a living, breathing forest — with its deep physiological and psychological benefits, for now, let’s look at what’s available when we don't have forest access. Here are a few simple, accessible ways to connect with trees wherever you are: 🍃 1. Look at trees (yes, even photos count) Research shows that viewing images of trees or natural landscapes can reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and improve mood. Try: - A tree photo as your phone or computer background - A picture or photo of a tree on your wall - Just sit and spend some time looking at this tree, noticing its shape, shades of green, branches and so on. 💚 2. Green is medicine The colour green is strongly associated with balance and restoration. Exposure to green tones has been linked to: - Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) - Improved focus and mental clarity - Gentle regulation of heart rate and breath - Houseplants, green clothing, green walls, or sitting near a window with trees in view all count. 🌿 3. Bring trees indoors Houseplants act as living allies. Caring for them builds relationship, rhythm, and presence. They can also support air quality and humidity — subtle but meaningful physical benefits. I love to gently touch and talk with all my houseplants. 🌬️ 4. Essential oils as “forest memory” Certain essential oils capture the aromatic compounds released by trees in forests — the same compounds we breathe during shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Tree-based oils such as: - Cypress - Douglas fir - Hinoki - Spruce - Cedarwood can support calm, grounded focus when diffused or gently inhaled. Some blends are designed specifically for this purpose — for example, doTERRA Shinrin-Yoku blend, inspired by forest bathing practices. I was very lucky to have been gifted a bottle of this from some guests and I have really enjoyed it, especially while not being able to access the forest due to my injury.

My Tree Legacy exists to make regeneration practical, accessible, and human. You don’t need land, money, or a complete lifestyle overhaul to be part of this. You just need a willingness to start where you are. 🌿 PILLAR ONE - REGENERATING LAND 🌳 What we are doing: At Khemeia Valley, regeneration isn’t a theory — it’s hands-on, ongoing, and grounded in daily action. We are actively restoring native ecosystems by: - Planting native trees to stabilise land, restore biodiversity, and rebuild healthy forest systems - Protecting regenerating bush so natural succession can occur - Managing pests and predators to give native birds, insects, and plants the best chance to thrive - Reducing pressure on the land by changing how areas are accessed, grazed, or left to rest - Observing the land closely — noticing water movement, erosion, regrowth, and soil health - Working with nature’s timelines, not forcing outcomes, but supporting what wants to regenerate. Some days this looks like planting trees. Some days it looks like trap checks, track maintenance, or letting an area be completely untouched. All of it is part of rebuilding a living, resilient landscape. This work is slow, practical, sometimes muddy — and deeply meaningful. 🌺 What you can do: - Grow something — a garden, a pot plant, or an indoor plant - Support trees through planting, care, or protection (or support us and we'll do it for you!) - Choose products that are kinder to land and waterways - Start noticing where your waste, water, and energy actually go Small actions, done consistently, matter. 🌿 PILLAR TWO - REGENERATING LIFE 🌳 What we are doing: We bring regeneration into everyday life — homes, habits, and health. This pillar focuses on: - Conscious consumption - Reducing waste - Choosing natural, low-impact alternatives where possible - Thinking about the end game of what we buy and use Regeneration isn’t a brand or a trend — it’s a way of moving through the world with more care.