Every woodland brings something different to a Forest Bathing experience. Its trees, wildlife, landscape and history all shape what we encounter.

Ashtead Common is home to more than 2,300 ancient oak pollards — one of the largest concentrations of its kind. These remarkable veteran trees are at the heart of the Common’s ecological importance, providing habitat for rare insects, fungi and other wildlife within a landscape shaped by centuries of traditional wood pasture.

The Common is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, recognised for its ancient trees, deadwood, breeding birds and rare invertebrates. It is a 200-hectare landscape of woodland, grassland, wetland and open glades, with the Rye Brook running through its southern edge.

Ashtead Common is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation, whose conservation work maintains this unusual wood-pasture landscape and the veteran trees that depend on it. I’m able to offer Forest Bathing here thanks to that ongoing care.

As an artist, Forest Bathing Guide and conservation volunteer, this is a place I know and continue to learn from. I spend time here throughout the year, noticing its changing seasons and contributing to its care.

Our Forest Bathing route takes us through one part of this remarkable landscape, with plenty more to discover. You’re very welcome to stay on afterwards and explore its paths and open spaces at your own pace.

Getting here

Ashtead Common is easily accessible by both train and road. Ashtead train station is located directly opposite the main entrance to the Common and is served by direct trains from London, making it an easy option for those travelling from the capital and surrounding area.

For those driving, the Common is close to Junction 9 of the M25. While there is no public car park on the Common itself, there is free on-street parking close to the meeting point, as well as paid parking at Ashtead Station.

Full joining and travel details are provided on booking.