Awareness and nature are the key to harmony: About a “green journey” in the Roztochia Nature Reserve

A green journey is when you suddenly become aware of yourself within everything around you: in every leaf, raindrop, gust of wind, the flap of a bird's wings, the whisper of grass, or the buzzing of a bee. A green journey is when, beneath the green canopy of trees, you try to notice and experience what is happening around you and feel the manifestation of that same energy that pulses in your own heart. A green journey is about observation, listening, understanding, and fostering deep gratitude. It's about the interaction between humans and nature, walks among the trees, breathing exercises, and immersion in the sounds and scents of the forest. Such simple actions can have a powerful therapeutic effect, especially for those who have experienced difficult life events.

Research suggests that the sensory experience of being in nature — that is, slow and mindful forest walks — acts as an antidote to stress. Consequently, blood pressure decreases, nervous system arousal diminishes, and the function of the immune system is enhanced, which can also lower levels of stress hormones.

On July 19, 2025, the third "green journey" for our defenders and their families took place as part of the "Green Journeys: ForestCom Supporting Veteran and Family Recovery" project, implemented in partnership with the Institute of Mental Health of the Ukrainian Catholic University. This time, we visited the Roztochia Nature Reserve – a unique territory, part of which is even protected by UNESCO, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

Participants visited the Roztochia Nature Reserve Museum, learned many interesting facts about the nature of Roztochia; fed and spent time with the forest inhabitants who are undergoing rehabilitation here; released healed birds back into their natural habitat; compared the wingspan of various birds to the span of their own potential "wings"; by listening to the forest, relearned to listen to themselves; filled themselves with energy and were inspired by communication. 

A valuable and important moment was the release of the healed and rehabilitated birds, including four kestrels, into their natural environment. Seven more kestrels were placed in an aviary for flight training, and two storks were released into an aviary for further rehabilitation. This was made possible thanks to the work of the "Free Wings" Bird Rehabilitation Center, located in the village of Kozychi near Lviv, and cared for by veterinarian and ornithologist Viktor Shelvinskyi. Before returning to their natural environment, the birds undergo several stages of rehabilitation at the Center. After treatment, the birds are also taken to nature reserves, including the Roztochia Nature Reserve, where they adapt and where there are flight aviaries. Birds that are unable to fly reside here permanently. The Reserve has all the conditions necessary for various bird species: hunting is prohibited, and there is almost no human impact.

According to Victoria Sokil, a participant in the journey, 

"The fact that it was Vasyl who released the kestrel after treatment by Viktor Shelvinskyi is truly symbolic: Vasyl and Yulia's family is an example of perseverance, faith, and courage. It was truly inspiring."

Igor Skolskyi, Director of the Reserve and expert of NGO ForestCom shares: 

"The Roztochia Reserve is open not only for the rehabilitation of people (conducting forest therapy) but also for the rehabilitation of animals. Some of the birds were handed over by the military from territories where fighting is taking place… The birds arrive with contusions and burns. By the way, the value of a bird's life for the military is not measured by its Red Book status; it can simply be the rescued life of an ordinary bird..."

Undoubtedly, it is not only the therapeutic effect of symbolically releasing birds into the wild but also the ongoing effect of fostering community that is a value gained by the group of participants. It is about a group that, as they get to know each other, becomes closer, about a community of facilitators who support and assist each other in accompanying veteran families, creating a cozy environment with safety and freedom of self-expression.

Natalia Avramchuk, a specialist at the "Space of Hope" Mental Health and Trauma Therapy Center, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher, shares her impressions: 

"The forest journey in Roztochia became a wonderful space for learning new things about nature and about oneself in contact with nature. In a safe and friendly circle, participants experienced the diversity of Roztochia's natural resources and their own resources without pressure, at their own pace, and feeling their needs and boundaries. And with their questions and sharing, they helped others expand their experience. It was a very cozy atmosphere with interesting stories, beautiful plants, and wonderful animals. There was a sense of freedom, which is very valuable for good communication. We managed to do a few mindfulness practices. A very careful attitude to the pace of people and their boundaries, ensuring freedom of self-expression – this is the most important thing that can be in this program with attention to the needs of different groups."

Finally, we share the inspiring feedback from Victoria Sokil: 

"To connect psychology and ecology, awareness and recovery, to immerse oneself deeper in nature. This pleasure cannot be described; it must be felt, experienced, and thanked for." So come, to feel and experience together. To be inspired and restored. Step by step, in "green" journeys, we continue to create spaces of safety and support. We invite you!

—

The "Green Journeys: ForestCom Supporting Veteran and Family Recovery" project is implemented by the NGO "Forest Initiatives and Community" in partnership with the Institute of Mental Health of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Ukrainian Catholic University with the support of the Mental Health for Ukraine — MH4U project, which is implemented with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.