...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.
Child Mental Health Awareness Week (7-13 February 2022)
Children's Mental Health Week is taking place on 7-13 February 2022 under the theme Growing Together.
Research has shown that regular contact with nature improves young people’s self-esteem and confidence, while spending time outside makes children happier and healthier. Make time outdoors and connecting with nature part of your regular family activities.
This page signposts some resources and tips on how to increase your wellbeing by connecting with nature, no matter your age, and the link below will take you to the Child Mental Health Awareness Week website.
Further information and resources
Taking care of your mental health
During the pandemic, nature has provided consolation and support to millions of us. Whether it’s been birdwatching, walking in the woods or park, or listening to the ocean, nature has helped calm us in this crisis. Now more than ever, it’s time to connect with nature to help look after your mental health.
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.
Blogs
Community Group Visits and Garden Ventures at Nene Wetlands
Supporter Engagement and Communities Officer, Viktoria, gives an update on what's been going on at the community garden recently as…
Launching Northants Nature Girls
Northants Nature Girls is a group designed for women who love nature and the outdoors to meet like minded people, whilst enjoying time…
How nature journalling gifts us everyday awe, wonder and kindness
Agnes Becker, who is running a wildflower journalling workshop with the Trust in Bedfordshire, tells us what inspires her to journal and…
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.
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