How to Hygge a Tree
Taking time to absorb the wonderful trees around you, feeling the wind, listening to birdsong and the forest sounds, feeling the textures of trees and plants; that’s definitely hygge!
The word is actually Danish and is pronounced ‘hoo-ga’, in English it’s usually translated as ‘cosiness’. But it actually means more than that; ‘A deep sense of place and wellbeing; a feeling of friendship, warmth, contentment and peace with your immediate surroundings’.*
‘How to Hygge a Tree’ is a new resource born from the work we’ve done over the last four years as part of our Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) community engagement project. It captures all the incredibly positive effects the project has had on many of the participants in terms of their wellbeing, mental health and quality of life. It looks at how the arboretum, it’s atmosphere, and the experiences of participants, creates something more than just a nice day out – it created ‘hygge’.
"‘How to Hygge a Tree’ explores concepts central to hygge, such as togetherness, creativity, nature, food and drink and fire and warmth."
The resource provides a tool for heritage organisations to help them champion the importance of reaching out and really engaging with groups. It aims to inspire others to develop similar projects with community groups by sharing best practice in a down-to-earth way.
The pack explains our own experiences and learning, and provides a range of easy to replicate practical activities. We look at the importance of building relationships and shared memories, sharing responsibility and learning, providing challenges and enjoying success, creating a sense of ownership, cosiness and comfort, and keeping things simple by going back to basics.
Fancy a little hygge?
You don’t need to be part of a community group to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Westonbirt. Meet up with friends, bring the family, and create some shared memories with a leisurely stroll through the trees. Or just enjoy simply sitting and observing the beautiful natural world around you. Whatever you do, enjoy the moment and make it hygge!
Download a copy of ‘How to Hygge a Tree’
Or for a hard copy please contact Karen Price, Community Coordinator on 0300 067 4854 or email karen.price@forestry.gov.uk
