Gary Evans
Gary Evans, director and co-founder of The Forest Bathing Institute, The World Economic Forum Top Innovator, is a peer-reviewed author and researcher on the health benefits of forest bathing. Gary’s love of nature started at a young age; something Gary credits to his father. He has an inquisitive mind and likes to understand how things are and not just accept the way things appear to be. When Gary looks at forests, birds and animals, he is amazed and moved with wonder at the beauty he sees and feels. This worldview formed the foundation for The Forest Bathing Institute. He always wondered if there were health benefits to spending time in forests and couldn’t understand why these incredible areas had not been explored more. The discovery of Forest Bathing joined big dots and Gary’s research began.
The Power of Nature
Gary Evans explores the growing body of scientific research demonstrating how direct engagement with natural environments—particularly forests—has measurable effects on human health, cognition, and wellbeing.
- The biological and psychological mechanisms behind forest bathing
- How trees and plants emit beneficial aerosols that interact with the human nervous and immune systems
- Why old-growth forests appear especially potent for health outcomes
- The relationship between nature exposure, stress reduction, and long-term resilience
Rather than approaching nature as a backdrop for wellbeing, this work frames it as an active participant in human health.
The Forest Bathing Institute has found that many plants and trees emit beneficial aerosols and other aromas that heal the body or uplift the psyche. Research suggests old growth forests in particular appear to be exceptionally rich in healing properties.
In 2018, Gary, alongside Olga Terebenina, pioneered Forest Bathing+ in the UK. Between them, they have led hundreds of woodland therapy sessions for the general public, health care professionals, NHS staff, Defra, Natural England, Forestry England, County Councils and world experts in nature therapy.
Gary regularly consults with the government, universities (70 currently), healthcare providers, wildlife charities and national landowners. Gary is regularly quoted in the national and international press and featured in countless publications, including The Guardian and Telegraph. His media appearances include BBC TV, BBC Earth, BBC Radio and print. In 2025, Gary and Olga co-authored ‘The Healing Power of Trees’ book and Forest Bathing Card Deck (available at retailers across the UK and the US, as well as online) to spread awareness about forest bathing practice and make it accessible to more people.
Post conference Gary will be leading a small group to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world at Sequoia National Park, for the ultimate forest bathing experience! Let us know if you want to join. First come first serve.
