The Scottish Tree Hugging Tournament 2026
About this Event
Calling all nature lovers and tree huggers to come and join like minded people in this unique family friendly event held in Glasgow.
Spending time in nature and being among trees has been proven to reduce stress, boost our immune systems and lower blood pressure. Taking that further, when you hug a tree you release the love hormone oxytocin giving you that warm fuzzy feeling...and it is a fun thing to do too!
During this event you will have the opportunity to truly express yourself and embrace the natural world around you whilst in the beautiful setting of Dams to Darnley woodlands. The Scottish Tree Hugging Tournament is made up of three categories, each lasting one minute, and participants are invited to take part in each one.
The categories include:
Speed Hugging: Where participants are invited to hug as many trees as possible in one minute with each hug lasting at least five seconds.
Dedication: In this round participants will have a minute to show their devotion, passion and loyalty to a tree of their choosing.
Freestyle: An opportunity for all tree huggers to get creative with a minute of innovative and inventive hugging.
The Scottish Tree Hugging Tournament has joined forces with The World Tree Hugging Association, in HaliPuu forest in Levi, Finland. The adult winner of The Scottish Tree Hugging Tournament will have the opportunity to apply to enter the 2027 World Championships in Finland (please note this is self funded).
https://www.worldtreehuggingassociation.org
Meet your event hosts:
Shuna Fife Mercer is a Nature-Based Play Therapist with over 30 years’ experience of working with children, adolescents and families. She combines her love for nature with a passion for helping others, creating joyful, healing environments. Shuna’s approach encourages creativity, connection, and growth, all while embracing the magic of the outdoors.
You can find her on Facebook at OPT for Outdoor Play Therapy.
Vicki Dale is a happiness facilitator and self-confessed tree hugger with a passion for connecting with nature. She encourages mindfulness and well-being by embracing the simple but profound beauty of the outdoors, inspiring others to appreciate and protect the environment while living a more balanced and fulfilled life.
You can find her on Facebook and Instagram as Happier By Nature
About Tickets & Donations:
This event has been lovingly co-created by Shuna, Vicki, and the trees themselves
It’s entirely unfunded and offered from the heart. We’re not being paid for our time, and there’s no formal ticket price—just a suggested donation to help cover the cost of equipment and materials that make the gathering possible. There will be refreshments available on the day for which we also ask for cash donations - Thank you.
Please note- Spectators need to book tickets also so that we can ensure numbers and the event is safe for everyone
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
