A nature therapy scheme based on Japanese "forest bathing" techniques has been launched in Breckland to help ease the symptoms of menopause.

The free seven-week programme in March and April is supported by the National Lottery-funded Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) landscape partnership scheme.

The guided series of outdoor wellbeing workshops are centred around the practice of shinrin-yoku, loosely translated as "forest bathing", which emerged from Japan in the 1980s.

Programme facilitator Gina Geremia, a director of Suffolk-based wellbeing service provider Adaptable By Design, said: "We know that spending time in nature is a pathway toward improving mental and physical health.

"We’re using this pathway as the foundation of our approach and harnessing nature’s positive effects on the human body to manage symptoms of menopause.

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"There are also numerous studies demonstrating that intentional moments of sensory immersion in nature, like forest bathing, can lower stress levels, cortisol levels and blood pressure, improve cognitive function, restore focus and concentration, and even reduce inflammation and strengthen immunity.

"All of this is helpful during our menopause years."

For more information, contact bfer.admin@suffolk.gov.uk.