Natural green space improves human wellbeing.
Spending time in Nature is very good for human wellbeing. Research at the University of Exeter found people who spent at least two hours a week in local green spaces experienced improved psychological wellbeing. And in Japan, ‘forest bathing’ has become a popular way to maintain personal wellbeing, after research there showed how walking in forest or woodland can lower heart rate, reduce anxiety and improve mood.
The experience of many of us during the Covid pandemic bears this out. Schools discovered the benefits of open-air teaching and learning in school grounds. And back gardens, local parks and green spaces became essential lifelines for exercise, fresh air, solitude and socialising – and places to experience nature’s healing energies at a time of great anxiety and separation.
Active gardening in natural greenspace
And there’s an even better way to boost our urban wellbeing while helping improve Nature’s wellbeing too – and that’s by getting our hands into the soil and doing some active gardening on school grounds. Research has established that people who carried out regular hands-on urban community gardening enjoyed better mental health than those who did not.
Nature well-being and Human wellbeing
Working together to improve Nature’s wellbeing is a great way to improve our own wellbeing. As we strengthen Nature’s habitats, we also strengthen our connection with Nature, which is so essential for human wellbeing. Nature benefits and we benefit. Because, in life on Earth, everything is connected.
Join our Camden Beeline and together, let’s improve the well-being of young people – our future change-makers.