Mental health & being outdoors

Why woods are good for our health and wellbeing

'Woods and trees are good for our health and wellbeing. Many of us feel this intuitively. But there is also an ever-growing mountain of scientific evidence, brought into even sharper focus since the coronavirus pandemic, that's painting a picture of the health benefits of trees, woods and the natural environment.'
The Woodland Trust documents how they're 'fighting to ensure more people have access to woods and working with experts nationwide, launching health programmes and researching the benefits that nature and woods bring.'

Street trees close to the home may reduce the risk of depression

Daily contact with trees in the street may significantly reduce the risk of depression and the need for antidepressants. German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, 2021

Being in Nature as a Kid Is Linked to Better Mental Health in Adulthood

'Growing up around greener spaces has consistently been linked to better health outcomes, and new research suggests these benefits could last a lifetime.' Article looks at a study including 3,500+ people across 4 countries, and other research. ScienceAlert (US), 23 May 2019

Wild things: how ditching the classroom boosts children's mental health

'Getting outdoors can pay dividends in academic performance – but it also improves pupils’ concentration and confidence.' Children outdoors expert Juliet Robertson is one of the people featured in this article. The Guardian, 2 June 2016

Gardening can help improve self-esteem, calm anger and ease depression, study finds

‘Researchers say councils should create more allotments, arguing this would help keep the general population healthy and boost the British economy.’ The Independent, 30 October 2015

Mood enhancer: go down to the woods today

‘Spending more time ‘forest bathing’ can have a positive effect on depression.’ A look at research and a personal experience of the effects of woods on wellbeing. The Guardian, 25 October 2015

How Walking in Nature Prevents Depression

A study finds that wild environments boost well-being by reducing obsessive, negative thoughts. The Atlantic, 30 June 2015

Best foot forward – the benefits of the natural environment for mental & physical health

Discovery Quest engaged adults with enduring mental health issues in outdoor activities and tried to understand the impact on their mental and physical wellbeing. Natural England Access to Nature learning papers, 2013

Nature and mental health: about ecotherapy programmes

Explains the mental health benefits of nature and gives tips and ideas to try. Also provides information on formal ecotherapy programmes, and where to find out more. 2013

Exploring the well-being outcomes of tree planting activities for young people

The research examined young people’s memories, experiences of, and feelings towards tree planting. Part of the Good From Woods Project, 2012

What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health?

A Multi-Study Analysis. This multistudy analysis assessed the best regime of dose(s) of acute exposure to green exercise required to improve self-esteem and mood (indicators of mental health). Petty & Barton, University of Essex, 2010

Gardening as a therapeutic intervention in mental health

This article describes why one low-secure unit chose to initiate a horticultural therapy project and organise it as a ‘workers’ cooperative’.The therapeutic benefits of gardening are explored, particularly focusing on the social benefits. The article also discusses the issue of hope, which is an intrinsic requirement in gardening. Nursing Times, 11 November 2008

Natural Thinking: Investigating the links between the Natural Environment, Biodiversity & Mental Health

Presents evidence that suggests a positive effect from contact with nature and green space on our mental health, exploring the three main hypotheses that try to explain this positive effect – biophilia, attention restoration theory, and psycho-physiological stress recovery theory. Dr William Bird, for the RSPB, June 2007