Nature, health & wellbeing
...just five minutes spent in nature can improve people’s sense of self-esteem and mood.
We've long felt the benefits to mind and body of walking through beautiful wildflower meadows, enjoying the sights and sounds of a local woodland and just generally getting outside in nature. Now science is showing how nature can help reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. It can also boost our immune system health. Find out how you can connect with wildlife, get involved with the Wildlife Trust BCN and learn about the science that is backing up our appreciation for nature.
Health benefits of wild places
Research between the Wildlife Trusts and the University of Essex has shown how the health and wellbeing benefits from nature include improvements to physical health (through increased physical activity) and improvements to psychological and social wellbeing including: reductions in stress and anxiety, increased positive mood, self-esteem and resilience, and improvements in social functioning and social inclusion.
Children's Mental Health: stress
Children's Mental Health: self worth
Childrens Mental Health: happier
The National Forest. Autumnal colour and mist, Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire, UK. November 2010. - Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
Shinrin-yoku
Scientists at the Universities of Chiba and Kyoto in Japan have shown that breathing in forest air boosts the production of cells in our body associated with immune system health and cancer prevention. Forest air contains essential oils called phytoncides that are emitted by trees and plants to protect them from infection. It's these phytoncides that boost our immune system. Further studies also found that as little as 15 minutes spent among trees per day would lower cortisol levels, blood pressure and pulse rate. Essentially, forest environments help people relax and reduce stress.
Blogs
Wilder Luton
In September ‘Wilder Luton’ was launched thanks to further funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF). Following the success…
Mental Health Awareness Week: Wildlife Gardening for wellbeing in Northants
It's Mental Health Awareness Week and we're celebrating the ways nature can improve all our lives, especially those struggling…
Dogs in the Nene Valley: how you and your furry friends can enjoy wildlife responsibly
Nene Wetlands Senior Ranger, Pete, tells us how you can enjoy wildlife responsibly with your dog
Forget-me-nots by Chris Lawrence
30 Days Wild
The University of Derby undertook a three year study of participants of our 30 Days Wild challenge. Dr Miles Richardson, Director of Psychology explained: “Over the past three years we’ve repeatedly found that taking part in 30 Days Wild improves health, happiness, nature connection and conservation behaviours." It's easy and free to take part in 30 Days Wild, and we even have special packs available for use in the workplace or in schools, youth clubs and care homes.
30 Days Wild takes place every year in June. Please check back nearer the time to sign up for 30 Days Wild 2022.
Wildflower walk - Katrina Martin/2020VISION
Get involved
Spending time in nature improves our physical and mental health. The Wildlife Trust BCN offers all kinds of ways to connect with nature from outdoor events and volunteer opportunities to national campaigns you can get involved in. Why not get inspired by learning all about your local wildlife and wild places.
"People turn to nature in moments of joy and in moments of sadness. We are part of the natural world.”
Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of the Wildlife Trusts
Robert Enderby
