29 May 2026
Woodlands for Health
"An 8-week guided walking programme that supported the mental health and well-being of adults from Clifden and Headford in Cong and Clonbur Woods."
Woodlands for Health is an 8-week guided walking programme designed to support the mental health and well-being of adults engaged with mental health services across Ireland. By integrating nature into the recovery journey, the initiative offers a sustainable and accessible approach to mental health care.
This year’s programme ran from 17th April to 29th May on Friday mornings in Cong and Clonbur Woods. It brought together adults from Elm Tree Centre, Clifden and Headford Mental Health Services.
Over the eight weeks there were smiles, plenty of laughs, great chats, and lungs filled with fresh woodland air — a lovely reminder of how good it feels to get outside and connect.
What the walks involved
Walk Leader Elaine Watters led the programme. Elaine had previously delivered Woodlands for Health with Elm Tree, guiding short walks with mindfulness and wellbeing practices such as gratitude, movement and grounding. The walks also took in local history, ecology and geology — and even poetry and song. Anything that brought joy to the group!
Programme at a glance
When: 17th April – 29th May · Friday mornings
Where: Cong & Clonbur Woods
Who: Participants from Elm Tree Centre, Clifden and Headford Mental Health Services
Walk Leader: Elaine Watters
Delivered in partnership with Mental Health Ireland and Healthy Ireland.
Photos from the programme are available in our Woodlands for Health gallery.