Article by Anne Bolle – Royal Forestry Society of Belgium, WP2 Lead
The Forest4Youth project, dedicated to developing forest-based therapeutic protocols for adolescents facing mental-health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or addictions, has officially taken off. Implemented across five North-West European countries, it explores an innovative collaboration between foresters and health-care professionals to support the well-being of young people. As a key partner, the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium gives a strong voice to the forest.
The Origin of the Project
The Forest4Youth project was born from promising results observed during short therapeutic stays organized by the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium (SRFB) in partnership with the Neuro-Psychiatric Centre Saint-Martin – adolescent unit “Athanor”. This experience was featured in Silva Belgica (issue 3/2024) in the article “Mental health and nature: when the forest helps healing”.
During these stays, several SRFB foresters opened their forests to hospitalized adolescents for immersive two-night, three-day experiences. Various activities helped bring them out of their four walls and discover an environment far from their daily reality.
Foresters shared their deep connection to nature. Meanwhile, the adolescents lived to the slow rhythm of the forest, in a setting where each activity encouraged exchange, listening, contemplation and restoration.
Launched in June 2023, this pilot project, blending mental-health professionals and foresters, aimed to assess the benefits of nature on the health of hospitalized adolescents. Co-funded by the King Baudouin Foundation and SRFB’s own resources, these stays will continue until December 2026.
Forest4Youth expands the scope of the pilot project and brings it to an international scale. Its ultimate goal is to raise awareness among public authorities so that these innovative therapies can be integrated into broader health-care policies, ensuring their long-term sustainability and recognition as tools for well-being and prevention.
The Role of the SRFB
Throughout the project, the SRFB acts as an intermediary between foresters and health-care staff in order to foster close and effective cooperation.
This multidisciplinary collaboration is essential, as explained by Dr. François-Xavier Polis (adolescent psychiatrist, founder of the “Athanor” unit at CNP Saint-Martin) and Philippe de Wouters (SRFB Director), in response to the question: “Is the participation of foresters important for caregivers?”
Dr. Polis:
“When accompanied by a forester, one’s view of the woods truly opens up. You feel this desire to share and transmit. Without the foresters, our project would be empty. At the same time, I was eager to share our daily practice after two years of experience. Moreover, thanks to this European fund, we are delighted to discover other teams carrying similar projects, which will enrich our practices.”
Ph. de Wouters:
“Our wish is that the forest is not seen as a consumable object, but as a living whole connected with young people. In consultation with therapists and foresters involved in the project, we also want the young participants to leave having done something useful and positive for the forest. Because for the forest to do us good, it too must be in good health.”
Key Missions of the Project
Here are some of the essential missions in which the SRFB and project partners will be involved:
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Develop criteria to “certify” a therapeutic forest, including:
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size: minimum 4–6 ha
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accessibility: proximity to public transport and availability of restrooms
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ecological aspects: sustainable management, biodiversity, no motorbike access
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topography: slope, path shape, viewpoints, clearings
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tranquillity: low human noise, diverse birdsong
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air purity: low pollution, presence of pines
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tree population: variety of species, remarkable trees, tall specimens
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other elements: presence of water, diversified landscapes…
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Select, prepare, and certify eight pilot therapeutic forests, which will host 400 adolescents following a therapeutic protocol.
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Train foresters who wish to contribute to the creation of therapeutic forests and to hosting forest-based care practices.
First Certification Steps
The first certification project has begun in the state forest Bois Brûlé in Erpent, near the hospital. Initial exchanges between foresters, doctors and educators from CNP Saint-Martin have taken place.
Based on observations from this first visit, the forest appears to offer a suitable setting for the project.
In the coming weeks, new “explorations” of this forest will be carried out by the SRFB, sometimes joined by other Belgian or international Forest4Youth partners. They will deepen the analysis of the criteria mentioned above. To do so, several measurements will be conducted (air quality, decibel levels, etc.) in collaboration with the local agent of the Department of Nature and Forests and UNature.
This ambitious and bold project fits perfectly within the values upheld by the SRFB. Over the next four years, we will be delighted to share its progress and key implementation steps.
If you have any questions or wish to express interest, please contact Anne Bolle (anne.bolle@srfb-kbbm.be).
The Forest, an ally for our well-being
In an increasingly urbanized world, where psychosocial difficulties affect a growing number of people, the forest stands out as an essential space for rejuvenation, offering concrete responses to well-being and quality-of-life needs.
This societal reality encourages foresters to broaden their scope of action: to welcome and integrate social, educational and even therapeutic uses into their daily management.
In recent years, the SRFB has taken particular interest in the societal role of forests, a central pillar of sustainable management.
Forest owners and managers may ask themselves:
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“How does my forest benefit society?”
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“How does it contribute to collective well-being, social cohesion, and health?”
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“What should I adapt to make my forest a stronger ally for well-being?”
Three action levers for foresters:
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Welcoming and supporting therapeutic uses
This involves adapting certain forest areas—accessible trails, resting zones, contemplative spaces—to welcome vulnerable groups, in partnership with health professionals. -
Promoting inclusive access to nature
The aim is to make the forest accessible to all profiles, including people with disabilities or those unfamiliar with natural environments. This includes clear signage, resting areas and safe spaces. -
Managing sustainably with human health in mind
Foresters are encouraged to rethink practices based on the forest’s benefits to humans while preserving ecological and economic functions.
