Nature for health

Walking in woods

© Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Wild wellbeing

ways to connect with nature

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The power of nature

The science is in. Our natural world is not only the most awe-inspiring and fascinating aspect of planet earth nor just a home to an incredible and near infinite array of life ... it's also an incredibly powerful provider of health! Exposure to wildlife-rich land and seascapes can boost our brain and our mood, it can strengthen our immune system, lengthen our lifespan and even make us kinder and more generous! 

We want you to champion this knowledge by putting it into practice every day, encouraging yourself and others to connect with nature in any way you can. It's our belief that if we all do this, we won't just be creating a happier and healthier world, we'll also be supporting the wildlife and the wild places we love.

Two happy male volunteers

©Toby Roxburgh 2020VISION

One study found that just 5 MINUTES of green exercise results in improved mood and self-esteem!
The University of Essex. Evidence below.

Ways to connect with nature through the North Wales Wildlife Trust

5 WAYS TO WELLBEING

While we could present you with a whole heap of information on how to get the health benefits from nature, thankfully the 2008 UK Government’s ‘Foresight Project’ in combination with the New Economics Foundation has done the hard work for us.

They’ve condensed the work of over 400 scientists on nature and wellbeing into 5 evidence-based actions. Take a look!

BE ACTIVE

Whether its going outside for a local walk or doing some gardening - get moving in nature!

  • This can lower inflammation, cause a reduction in anxiety and depression and boost your mood! (Department of Health, 2009a, 2011; Reed et al., 2013).

Explore your local nature reserve 

CONNECT

... with the people and the wildlife around you.

  • This will help protect you against illness, social isolation and poorer health more generally (Tones and Green 2010)

Why not check out our events 

GIVE

Do something to help your local place and the people that live there

  • This will increase neuronal responses in the reward areas of the brain and boost happiness and life satisfaction. (New Economics Foundation, 2008; Rilling et al., 2007) 

Become a volunteer

LEARN

Try something new outside

  • Learning is associated with: wellbeing; life satisfaction, optimism and self-efficacy; self-esteem and resilience (Feinsten and Hammond, 2004; Hammond, 2004)

Check out our wildlife gardening page

TAKE NOTICE

... of the everyday wildness on your doorstep

  • Mindfulness enhances self-understanding, reduces stress and improves mental health (Feldman et al., 2007; Nef, 2008; Williams, 2010; Chu, 2010; Keng et al., 2011; Howell et al., 2011)

See our blog on what to notice this February

The Science

This page has only used a snippet of the many, many studies that show how beneficial a connection with land, sea and wildlife is to our health. If you're interested in diving deeper, check out some of the reports and studies listed below!

Going forward ...

We hope you've enjoyed our little introduction into the ways in which nature can help us feel happier, healthier and more fulfilled. 

This page will be updated with new stories, pictures and suggestions on how nature supports our health and well-being. So make sure you check back in!

Why not try our some of suggestions. Wrap up warm and connect with North Wales' natural world in the best way you can. With any luck, it'll leave you feeling better and ready for more!