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.
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.
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
Bedfordshire Wellbeing Walks
This autumn the Bedfordshire team helped people engage with the nature on their doorstep
Wellbeing Day
Ramsey Heights was the perfect location for our Wild Wellbeing Day with Corporate Partner Ewing.
Springing into action at Bradgers Hill
New project manager Matt Sutcliffe outlines all the exciting activity and new partnerships at Bedfordshire's Bradgers Hill Wilder…
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.
Wilder wellbeing events
"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
