Mental health & being outdoors

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

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

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