A Forest Without Barriers

Yesterday, one of the recreational points of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” became a space of strength, recovery, and support for those who stood up to defend our freedom.

We invited soldiers undergoing rehabilitation at the Chernihiv City Hospital, as well as military medics, to participate. The event was held within the framework of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Space by 2030, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Among the guests were veterans who had experienced amputations and severe injuries, as well as those whose main wound was invisible, in the form of psychological stress and PTSD. The forest became a safe space for them, where they could take a deep breath, hear the birds singing, and feel that, despite everything, life goes on.

Not everyone is ready to share their stories, and in such moments, nature becomes the best therapy.

We prepared a special program for the participants:

Yoga Practice with instructor Hanna — breathing exercises and muscle relaxation outdoors, barefoot in the grass. An hour among the trees brought peace, relieved tension, and helped restore inner balance.

Painting Workshop — each person created their own bright “forest shopper bag” and took it home as a warm memory of the day.

We saw the tension on the faces of our guests replaced by genuine smiles. Because barrier-free access isn’t just about ramps or accessible routes. It’s about the opportunity to live, feel, and be happy.

The recreational points of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” are equipped with the principles of barrier-free access in mind: they are convenient for movement, rest, and communication. They are open to everyone and always free of charge. Here, everyone can feel like a part of nature — without limitations.