TO THE ROOTS OF FINNISH WELLBEING – NATURE CONNECTEDNESS IN A FOREST PARK

General information

Package type: half day
Season: May–October
For whom: individuals / groups
(min. 5–max. 20 pers.)

Duration of the programme: 2.5 hours

Type of transport: 
individual transfer / tour bus

Public transportation: bus Helsinki–Lohja

Services included: guided wellness trail

INTRODUCTION

The forest park is a 3ha collection of trees located on the shore of Lohjanjärvi, in the rural Skraatila village. The collection includes more than 100 taxa and 300 varieties of trees and shrubs from three continents. In addition to the guided wellness trail there are different garden themes and site facilities include a cafeteria, several terraces, parking lot (suitable for busses), two eco toilets with running water.

The arboretum has been 18 years in the making, the host family Stenroos have been guided by biophilia their respect and love for all creatures and the arboretum is their home which they share with its numerous plants and other wildlife. The host’s wish is that visitors will find ways to connect with the Finnish natural world in this forest park by Lohja lake

The 1 km long guided wellness trail is designed for improving nature connectedness, restoration and wellbeing by introducing several garden themes. The guided themes will vary according to the seasonal interest of the park.   This guided tour will briefly present the theories of biophilia and biodiversity and how they influence human wellbeing and health. It is an outdoor excursion therefore suitable clothing and footwear for walking on the forest and lawn paths is recommended.

Programme itinerary

  • Programme

    Programme

    • Arrival and short walk to the Cafeteria Terrace (10 min).
    • Welcome drinks, programme presentation (20 min). Visitors will have an opportunity to download a GLOPAS application on their phones if they wish to get more detailed information during the programme.
    • Butterfly garden. Short presentation of the biophilia and biodiversity theories and how they matter to our health (15 min).
    • Stream path. Option for barefoot walking on the lawn (10 min).
    • Mystery, fairies, the significance of wood for the ecosystems (15 min).
    • Rain gardens on a slope, sustainable urban drainage systems for saving water are important globally (10 min).
    • Japanese garden. Symbolism, simplicity, old traditions, respect (10min).
    • Beach Terrace. Connecting with nature, restoration on the beach terrace (15 min).
    • Silver Birch Forest and Forest path Connecting with nature on rocks with lichen and moss, berry tasting in July and August (15 min).
    • Café terrace. Café, tea, soft drinks, a variety of bakery products on the buffet. Opportunity to buy small gift items (30 min).
    • A small gift for improving personal nature, connectedness and restoration.