Forest of the Mind: Nature’s Remedy invites viewers on a journey through Dorset’s stunning landscapes, guided by a university student exploring nature’s healing power. Addressing the rise in mental health challenges among students, this documentary reveals how reconnecting with the natural world can offer relief and support. From ancient woodlands to Dorset heathlands, the documentary showcases the area’s beauty and the unique wildlife stories within. Through activities like wildlife watching, forest bathing, nature painting, and more, Forest of the Mind highlights how engaging with nature can be a powerful tool to combat mental health struggles, showing that there’s something in nature for everyone.
In an age where mental health issues are on the rise, Forest of the Mind: Nature’s Remedy aims to be more than just a documentary. We envision it as a movement—an invitation for people, especially students, to rediscover the healing power of nature. By sharing the beauty of Dorset’s natural landscapes and the mental health benefits of reconnecting with the wild, we aim to inspire a new generation to find peace, clarity, and well-being outdoors.
Our vision is for this documentary to be a catalyst for change, encouraging universities, communities, and students to integrate nature-based practices into everyday life. Fostering a greater appreciation for nature as a mental health resource. By inspiring young adults and students to venture outdoors, we hope to foster a movement that encourages student-led nature groups, advocates for conservation, and builds a stronger relationship between people and the environment. When more people care about nature, we see greater advocacy, funding, and protection for these invaluable reserves and the wildlife within them. In this way, the documentary supports a cycle of mutual benefit: nature nurtures us, and we, in turn, protect it for generations to come.
Your support for Forest of the Mind: Nature’s Remedy is more than just funding a documentary—it’s an investment in a movement to reconnect young people with the natural world. As mental health challenges grow, especially among students, our film highlights the restorative power of nature and shows young adults how easy, accessible activities in the outdoors can positively impact their well-being.
By donating, you’ll be helping us create a visually captivating and impactful documentary that not only educates but inspires real change. Your contribution will go directly toward high-quality production, expert interviews, and immersive cinematography to capture the beauty of Dorset’s landscapes and the stories within. This is about more than a one-time film; it’s about sparking a lasting, positive relationship with nature for students everywhere.
Hi, I’m Joey, the director and writer of Forest of the Mind: Nature’s Remedy. For the past five years, I’ve been photographing and filming wildlife, hoping to build a career as a wildlife cameraman after graduating from university. My fascination with the natural world has always been a part of me, but since starting university, nature has become more than a subject to capture—it’s been a lifeline for coping with the stresses of academic life.
Navigating university’s demands can be overwhelming, and it’s no secret that many students struggle with mental health; recent studies show that about 39% of university students experience a decline in their mental health after starting university. For me, nature has offered an outlet to manage my mental health and student life.
This experience has inspired me to create Forest of the Mind: Nature’s Remedy, a documentary that not only showcases the beauty of wildlife but also aims to educate and inspire students about the benefits of engaging with nature for mental well-being. With your support, I hope to bring this vision to life and share the message that nature can be a powerful, accessible tool for improving mental health.
My names Harry and my role on ‘Forest Of The Mind’ is producer. I chose to work on FOTM as I wanted a challenge outside of producing fiction films. I also felt that a documentary which focuses on students mental health resonates with myself and many others on the crew. Outside of producing films I run events for work and spend a lot of my free time digging for and collecting vinyls. I find house music to be a big part of my life which very much helps mentally day to day, and so I very much look forward to working on this film to discover how immersion within nature could also do the same.
Hi, I’m Madison, the Director of Photography on Forest of the Mind. I took on this role because I’m eager to use cinematography to highlight the ways nature can ground and restore us, which is at the heart of this film.
For this project, I’m aiming for an immersive, natural look—using natural light and intentional framing to capture the essence of the nature. My goal is to create visuals that let viewers feel the peace and clarity nature can offer, drawing them into the experience of being in the nature.
I look forward to collaborating with the team to support the story’s message and create a piece that resonates with the audience.
Hi my name is Issy, I am doing the Production Sound for Forest of the Mind: Nature's Remedy.
This documentary is a great eye opener to the power of nature, and from a sound perspective allows us to utilise these natural sounds to enhance the immersion into the documentary. Working alongside Louis for Production Sound, we will be recording wildlife, dialogue and natural ambience, to encapsulate the feeling of being in these beautiful organic spaces.
This project has a powerful message and highlights the one thing we can always fall back on during difficult times, the beauty of nature. I look forward to being on Location Recording, any contributions to the documentary allow us to make this a reality!
Heading into this project, I hope to draw on my experience as a sound recordist to help bring this film to life in a way that successfully reflects the subject matter of this documentary. I’m excited to share what I can do and look forward to having you all watch and listen to our film!
I’m Ivy, the camera operator for Forest of the Mind: Nature's Remedy
I have a passion for birdwatching and nature photography, often spending my time at local nature reserves.
The film is important to me as I have found comfort in nature as a way of calming from the stresses of living with bipolar disorder.
As cam op I hope to capture the beauty of the locations we visit and to inspire others who are struggling to spend more time in nature.
Hi, I'm Damar and I am one of the editors of Forest Of The Mind: Natures Remedy!
As a co-editor alongside Leon, we have the responsibility of piecing this insightful documentary together. I'm beyond excited to be in the position where I can help highlight the importance nature brings to both our physical and mental world.
The idea of this documentary holds so much value to myself. Nature has always served as a form of therapy and peace when life gets too loud. Alongside this, due to being raised and spending most of my life on a small island (Bermuda), I was mainly outdoors with family and friends, which served as some of my fondest memories!
Hello, my names Leon Christou, co-editor of Forest of the Mind, alongside Damar Steede. I chose this film not only because of my admiration for Joey’s interest in wildlife photography / filmmaking, but also because I have never worked on a project such as this. The opportunity to test my skills as an editor by stepping into a world of filmmaking that is somewhat foreign to me is extremely exciting, and I can’t wait to be involved in every step of the post production process.