NRE Health & Wellbeing Matrix Library™ • Matrix 07

Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™

A comparative framework for understanding how forest structure, vegetation density, canopy, biodiversity, natural surfaces, water, environmental sound, movement, remoteness, clothing and footwear may influence opportunities for environmental interaction.

Developed by the NRE Health Institute • General edition • Version 1.0

Why forests require a dedicated matrix

Forests may provide a highly complex combination of vegetation, natural surfaces, canopy, changing light, environmental sound, biodiversity, seasonal variation and movement through uneven terrain.

However, forest environments differ substantially. A narrow path beside a road does not provide the same interaction opportunity as an established forest with mature canopy, varied vegetation, natural ground, wildlife, water and reduced urban disturbance.

Forest quality must therefore be assessed through the environmental conditions actually encountered rather than through the label “forest” alone.

Assess ecological richness

Compare canopy, vegetation layers, habitat, biodiversity, natural surfaces and water rather than treating all wooded places as equivalent.

Include active interaction

Recognise walking, hiking, resting, observation and suitable direct contact as different forms of interaction with the forest environment.

Separate richness from risk

A more ecologically complex forest may offer greater interaction while also requiring greater awareness of terrain, weather, wildlife, navigation and remoteness.

A forest may provide one of the richest opportunities for environmental interaction, but greater ecological complexity does not remove the need for preparation, suitable clothing, navigation, weather awareness and individual judgement.

What this matrix evaluates

The Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™ compares common forest settings according to their relative opportunity for interaction with selected environmental factors. It does not measure guaranteed health benefits or prescribe a specific activity, duration or clothing level.

Forest settings

  • Roadside wooded strip
  • Urban woodland edge
  • Managed recreational forest
  • Open forest walking trail
  • Forest with mature tree canopy
  • Mixed forest with varied vegetation layers
  • Forest with stream, creek or wetland
  • Biodiverse native forest
  • Remote forest with limited built disturbance
  • Lawful clothing-optional forest setting

Interaction variables

  • Outdoor air and airflow
  • Tree canopy and filtered daylight
  • Vegetation density and diversity
  • Natural soil, leaf litter, rock and other surfaces
  • Birds, insects and other biodiversity
  • Streams, wetlands and water features
  • Natural sound and reduced urban noise
  • Walking, hiking and terrain variation
  • Remoteness and reduced built influence
  • Accessibility and navigation
  • Weather and thermal conditions
  • Personal safety and preparedness
  • Clothing and footwear as modifiers

Standardised conditions

Unless specifically stated otherwise, comparisons assume conditions that are generally comfortable and safe for the individual, including suitable temperature, humidity, wind, air quality, daylight, track or ground condition and UV exposure for the level of exposed skin. Bushfire danger, severe weather, flooding, hazardous smoke, unsafe terrain, dangerous wildlife conditions and exceptional circumstances are excluded unless specifically identified.

Environmental richness does not guarantee personal benefit

A biodiverse forest may provide extensive interaction opportunity while remaining unsuitable for a particular person, activity or time. Individual mobility, health, experience, navigation ability, weather, terrain, insects, animals, fire conditions and distance from assistance must be considered separately from the environmental classification.

Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™

This matrix compares common forest environments according to their relative opportunity for interaction with outdoor air, canopy, vegetation, natural surfaces, biodiversity, water, movement and other environmental factors.

Forest environment Standard clothing Shoes and socks worn Standard clothing Shoes and socks removed where suitable Light clothing Shorts and T-shirt Minimal clothing Environmental grade shown; restrictions may apply No clothing Environmental grade shown; restrictions may apply
Roadside wooded strip Limited vegetation depth with substantial traffic and built influence B Limited B Limited Surface hazards may require footwear B Limited B Limited Public-space and visibility restrictions may apply B Limited Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Urban woodland edge Trees and natural ground close to roads, housing or built infrastructure C Moderate C Moderate Check terrain, glass, thorns and surface conditions C Moderate C Moderate Public-space restrictions may apply C Moderate Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Managed recreational forest Established paths, trees, seating and regular public access C Moderate C Moderate Footwear may be needed on rough or contaminated surfaces D High D High Public recreation-area restrictions may apply D High Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Open forest walking trail Natural ground, tree cover, airflow and sustained movement opportunity D High D High Terrain, insects and sharp surfaces may require footwear D High D High Public-space restrictions may apply D High Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Forest with mature tree canopy Established shade, filtered daylight, natural ground and reduced built influence D High E Very high Barefoot use depends on terrain and biological hazards E Very high E Very high Public-space restrictions may apply E Very high Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Mixed forest with varied vegetation layers Canopy, understory, ground vegetation, habitat and high sensory diversity D High E Very high Terrain, thorns, insects and wildlife must be considered E Very high E Very high Public-space restrictions may apply E Very high Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Forest with stream, creek or wetland Vegetation, water, wildlife, natural sound and increased sensory complexity D High E Very high Wet, unstable or contaminated surfaces may require footwear E Very high E Very high Public-space restrictions may apply E Very high Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Biodiverse native forest Mature habitat, varied vegetation, wildlife, natural surfaces and limited urban disturbance E Very high E Very high Protective footwear may remain necessary E Very high E Very high Public-space and environmental-protection rules may apply E Very high Nudity may not be lawful or appropriate
Remote forest with limited built disturbance Extensive natural environment, reduced urban influence and greater remoteness E Very high E Very high Remoteness and terrain may make footwear essential E Very high E Very high Land-access and public-space restrictions may apply E Very high Remoteness does not guarantee lawful or private use
Lawful clothing-optional forest setting Designated or lawfully established setting with environmental and privacy management D High E Very high Protective footwear may still be necessary E Very high E Very high E Very high
Class A Very limited environmental interaction opportunity.
Class B Limited interaction with selected environmental factors.
Class C Moderate interaction across several environmental factors.
Class D High interaction with a broad range of environmental factors.
Class E Very high interaction opportunity under suitable conditions.

General classification method

Classifications reflect the combined opportunity for environmental interaction rather than guaranteed health outcomes. The use of the word forest, remoteness or reduced clothing is not scored independently.

  • Outdoor air and airflow
  • Tree canopy and filtered daylight
  • Vegetation density and diversity
  • Natural soil, leaf litter and rock
  • Biodiversity and habitat features
  • Streams, wetlands and water
  • Natural sound and reduced urban noise
  • Walking and terrain variation
  • Remoteness and reduced built influence
  • Accessibility and navigation
  • Weather and thermal conditions
  • Personal safety and preparedness
  • Clothing and footwear as modifiers

Every clothing and footwear column receives an environmental interaction grade. Red warnings identify circumstances in which barefoot use, minimal clothing or nudity may be unsafe, restricted, unlawful or inappropriate. The warning does not remove or replace the environmental grade.

Important distinction: The class shown in each cell represents the environmental interaction opportunity available under that clothing or footwear condition. A red warning indicates that the choice may be unsafe, restricted, unlawful or inappropriate in that forest setting. An environmental grade does not provide permission to disregard land-access conditions, park rules, environmental protections, local laws or personal-safety requirements.
Important: A high environmental class does not mean that reduced clothing or footwear is preferable. Forest terrain, insects, ticks, leeches, thorned vegetation, snakes, weather, fire danger, water, remoteness and delayed access to assistance may make protective clothing and footwear necessary.

How to read the Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™

Select the row that most closely represents the forest environment being used, then select the clothing and footwear column that reflects the actual conditions.

The resulting class describes the relative opportunity for environmental interaction under the published assumptions. It is not a personal health score, safety rating or prediction of individual wellbeing.

The row defines the forest environment

Canopy, vegetation layers, biodiversity, natural surfaces, water, environmental sound, terrain and reduced built influence define the primary setting.

The column modifies interaction

Clothing and footwear may alter airflow, thermal sensation, skin accessibility and surface contact, but they do not determine ecological richness.

Red warnings do not remove the grade

A red warning identifies legal, access or safety limitations while the A–E class continues to represent the environmental interaction opportunity.

Environmental opportunity and protective need are separate

A forest may receive a high environmental class while still requiring boots, long clothing, insect protection or other safety measures. The matrix grades interaction opportunity. It does not recommend removing protection where protection is appropriate.

What may change a forest classification?

A classification should change only where the combined opportunity for environmental interaction changes meaningfully. The word “forest,” greater remoteness or reduced clothing should not independently determine the class.

Canopy maturity Established canopy may provide filtered daylight, shade, thermal moderation and a stronger sense of enclosure within a living ecosystem.
Vegetation layers Canopy, understory, shrubs, grasses, groundcover and leaf litter may create greater sensory and ecological complexity than isolated trees.
Natural surfaces Soil, leaf litter, rock, moss and natural ground generally provide greater environmental interaction than sealed paths or extensive built surfaces.
Biodiversity Birds, insects, fungi, plants and other wildlife may increase ecological interaction where habitat remains intact and undisturbed.
Water features Streams, wetlands, waterfalls and creeks may increase sensory variety, habitat diversity and natural sound under safe conditions.
Natural sound Wind, birds, insects, water and vegetation may provide a richer sound environment where traffic and machinery are reduced.
Movement and terrain Walking, hiking, climbing and uneven terrain may increase active interaction while also increasing physical demand and injury risk.
Reduced built influence Greater separation from roads, buildings and urban noise may broaden the interaction opportunity, but remoteness also increases preparation requirements.
Air quality and weather Smoke, heat, cold, humidity, storms, strong wind or fire danger may temporarily reduce the suitability of forest use.
Accessibility Track condition, gradients, distance, mobility requirements and navigation determine whether the forest is practically usable.
Footwear Removing footwear may increase direct surface contact, but rocks, thorns, insects, contaminated ground and unstable terrain may make footwear necessary.
Clothing Lighter clothing may increase skin accessibility, but protective clothing may remain necessary because of weather, plants, insects, ticks, leeches or terrain.

A gradual forest progression

This pathway presents practical examples of increasing environmental interaction within forest settings. It is optional and may be adapted, repeated or stopped according to safety, mobility, experience, weather, access and individual comfort.

1

Begin at an accessible forest edge

Start with a short visit to a clearly marked woodland or forest area with suitable paths and reliable access.

2

Spend time beneath tree canopy

Sit, stand or walk beneath established trees while observing light, shade, airflow, sound and seasonal conditions.

3

Increase walking duration gradually

Extend the distance or time only where terrain, fitness, weather and navigation remain appropriate.

4

Observe vegetation layers

Notice canopy, understory, groundcover, fungi, leaf litter and other features rather than treating the forest as a single visual backdrop.

5

Observe biodiversity without disturbance

Notice birds, insects, animals and habitat while remaining on suitable routes and avoiding damage to vegetation or wildlife.

6

Explore richer forest environments

Progress towards mature canopy, varied vegetation or water features where access and personal experience make this appropriate.

7

Use natural resting areas safely

Sit or rest on a suitable rock, log, grassed area or dry natural surface after checking for instability, insects, sharp objects and other hazards.

8

Adapt footwear only where appropriate

Remove footwear only on carefully assessed surfaces where terrain, biological hazards, temperature and local rules make this safe.

9

Adapt clothing to conditions

Choose clothing according to temperature, insects, vegetation, movement, visibility, access rules and personal comfort. Reduced clothing is not required.

10

Use lawful clothing-optional settings where chosen

Where a lawful or formally designated forest setting exists, clothing may be reduced according to personal preference. Protective footwear or clothing may still remain necessary.

Higher interaction may require greater protection

Forest richness and safety do not always move in the same direction. A remote biodiverse forest may provide very high environmental interaction while also requiring protective footwear, long clothing, navigation equipment, water, communication and emergency planning.

Safety and responsible forest use

Forest environments can provide extensive environmental interaction while also presenting conditions that require preparation, protective equipment and informed judgement.

Weather and fire conditions

Check forecasts, temperature, storms, wind, smoke and official fire danger information before entering a forest. Conditions may change rapidly.

Navigation and communication

Use marked routes where possible, carry a reliable map or navigation method and ensure another person knows the intended route and expected return time.

Footwear and clothing

Protective footwear and clothing may be necessary because of sharp surfaces, unstable terrain, insects, ticks, leeches, vegetation, temperature or weather exposure.

Water and hydration

Carry sufficient drinking water. Streams and natural water sources should not be assumed safe for drinking, swimming or direct contact.

Wildlife and biological hazards

Avoid disturbing animals, nests, plants or fungi. Consider local risks including snakes, insects, ticks, poisonous vegetation and allergens.

Access and land rules

Observe park closures, private-property boundaries, conservation rules, cultural protections, track restrictions and lawful clothing requirements.

Terrain and physical capacity

Select routes compatible with mobility, balance, fitness and experience. Uneven ground, steep gradients and fallen material may increase injury risk.

Environmental protection

Stay on suitable routes, avoid damaging vegetation, remove all waste and minimise disturbance to habitats, waterways, wildlife and other users.

Do not interpret a high class as a safety recommendation

Class D or E describes high environmental interaction opportunity. It does not mean the environment is safe under all conditions, suitable for every person or appropriate for reduced clothing or footwear.

Evidence-first interpretation

The Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™ is an environmental classification framework. It combines variables commonly considered relevant to nature exposure, outdoor activity and environmental interaction without claiming that one class guarantees a specific health result.

Green-space exposure

Research may examine associations between access to green environments, stress, mood, attention, physical activity and selected health outcomes.

Forest exposure

Forest-specific research may consider vegetation density, sensory immersion, natural sound, air conditions and time spent beneath tree canopy.

Movement and physical activity

Walking and hiking may contribute to physical activity, but terrain, intensity, duration and individual capacity influence the experience.

Daylight and environmental sound

Natural daylight and reduced mechanical noise may influence comfort, attention and daily rhythms, although conditions vary between forests.

Biodiversity and ecological quality

Ecological richness may affect the quality of nature exposure, but biodiversity should not be treated as a guaranteed or directly proportional health intervention.

Clothing and skin exposure

Clothing may modify thermal comfort, airflow and skin accessibility. Evidence should not be interpreted as proving that reduced clothing is universally preferable.

Classification is comparative, not clinical

The A–E scale compares environmental interaction opportunities across forest settings. It is not a diagnostic instrument, medical prescription, treatment protocol or substitute for individual health and safety advice.

Clause de non-responsabilité

The Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™ is provided for general educational, research and policy-development purposes.

It does not provide medical, psychological, legal, environmental, navigational or emergency advice. It does not guarantee health improvement and should not be used to determine whether a person can safely enter, walk through or remain within a forest environment.

Users remain responsible for checking local laws, land-access conditions, fire danger, weather, track closures, wildlife risks, water safety, clothing requirements and other relevant conditions.

Anyone with health, mobility, allergy, medication, temperature-regulation or other concerns should seek appropriate professional advice before undertaking unfamiliar or physically demanding outdoor activity.

Supporting evidence and references

The final published reference list should support the principal variables used within this matrix and clearly distinguish established evidence, emerging evidence and NRE’s comparative classification methodology.

  1. Public-health and environmental-health research concerning green-space exposure, nature contact and population wellbeing.
  2. Peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews concerning forest exposure, forest bathing, stress, mood, attention and physiological responses.
  3. Evidence concerning walking, hiking, outdoor physical activity and the influence of terrain, duration and physical capacity.
  4. Research and guidance concerning daylight exposure, circadian regulation and time spent outdoors.
  5. Studies concerning natural sound, environmental noise and restorative outdoor environments.
  6. Research concerning biodiversity, ecological quality and the potential relationship between richer natural environments and human wellbeing.
  7. Public guidance concerning air quality, smoke exposure, heat, cold, humidity, storms and forest fire danger.
  8. Government, park-authority or environmental-agency guidance concerning forest access, track safety, navigation, wildlife, water and emergency preparation.
  9. Evidence and safety guidance concerning barefoot activity, natural surfaces, insects, ticks, leeches, sharp objects and terrain-related injury.
  10. Relevant legal and policy sources concerning public nudity, designated clothing-optional areas, private land, protected areas and shared-space rules.

Related NRE resources

This matrix forms part of the wider NRE Health & Wellbeing Matrix™ Library and should be interpreted alongside related environmental, educational and policy resources.

11 Levels of Health Restoration™

Explore NRE’s progressive framework for increasing connection with outdoor and natural environments according to individual comfort.

View the 11 Levels framework

NRE Guides Hub

Access verified NRE guides covering health, research, policy, standards and institutional programmes.

Visit the NRE Guides Hub

NRE surveys

Participate in ongoing NRE Health Institute research concerning health, wellbeing, stigma and non-sexual nudity.

View current NRE surveys

Version history

Version records support transparency, methodological review and future refinement of the Forest Health & Wellbeing Matrix™.

Version Status Summary
Version 1.0 Initial general edition Established the forest environment categories, A–E interaction scale, clothing and footwear modifiers, safety boundaries and evidence-first interpretation.
Methodology standard Current Every clothing and footwear column receives an environmental grade. Red warnings identify legal, access or safety limitations without replacing the environmental classification.
Future review Planned Future editions may refine variables, terminology, evidence, jurisdictional guidance and specialist applications following research review and stakeholder feedback.

Forest interaction should remain informed, lawful and voluntary

Forests can provide extensive opportunities for movement, observation, sensory engagement and contact with complex living environments.

The strongest classification is not always the safest or most appropriate choice. Clothing, footwear, route, duration and activity should remain guided by conditions, experience, personal comfort and protective need.

Environmental interaction may be encouraged. Progression should never be forced.