Tree scenery is best: come rain or shine
A new study finds that the sights, sounds and smells of life in a British woodland boost our wellbeing. An overwhelming 90% of more than 10,000 questioned say their mood was boosted by the wildlife in the UK’s precious woodland.
But worryingly, the research pinpointed huge regional differences, with the majority of wellbeing hotspots found in the south east and parts of Scotland.
These regions are areas with a higher proportion of woodland with a substantial amount of ancient and well-established woodland cover.
They’re also rich in woodland plants, animals and fungi which people reported as being beneficial for their wellbeing. Previous studies have shown that only 7% of the nation’s woods are in good ecological condition.
The extensive BIO-WELL study was carried out by scientists at the University of Kent. The latest research was financed by a grant from The Woodland Trust.
‘While we know that spending time in natural environments can improve our health and wellbeing, we needed to know which species, or traits of species delivered these benefits,’ says University of Kent’s Zoe Davies.
She’s Professor of Biodiversity Conservation at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE).
‘This compelling new research proves that nature is good for us and spending time in biodiverse, rich woodland can be a prescription for wellbeing.’
A walk in the woods: good all year round
Perhaps surprisingly, the research found that seasonal differences were irrelevant to the mental health benefits. The study shows that a walk in the woods is beneficial at any time of the year – and in (pretty much) any weather.
‘The research suggests visiting a woodland rich in the variety of wildlife that supports human wellbeing is a privilege unequally distributed across society, and furthest from reach for those who could potentially benefit the most,’ says Dr Jessica Fisher, research fellow at DICE.
‘Society needs a much better balance of woodland to ensure we can all access the traits that are going to boost our mental health.’
The research identified specific mood-lifting traits found in woods. These varied from spotting a squirrel scurrying up a trunk through to hearing early-morning bird song. And, of course, everyone’s favourite: feeling the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot.
‘The Woodland Trust is evidence based. Research like the BIO-WELL findings that we have supported is not only fascinating but vital to underpin what we do as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, for nature and people,’ says Dr Darren Moorcroft, Chief Executive of The Woodland Trust.
‘We’re in the grip of a biodiversity and human health crisis, so it has never been more critical to improve the health of people and the planet.’
‘Proving that it’s good for us to get out among trees and nature means the next step must be ensuring that everyone in the UK has access to vibrant, nature-rich woodland where wildlife – and people and communities – can thrive.’
Regional disparity
Maps produced by the researchers showed strong regional disparity in woodland quality for wellbeing, highlighting the importance of restoring woodland biodiversity – especially in those areas which need it most.
‘If we want people’s wellbeing to improve from spending time in nature, then it is essential to make sure we are maintaining and restoring high-quality forests for wildlife and people,’ says Martin Dallimer, Professor of Environmental Sustainability at Imperial College London.
Experts are calling for an improvement in woodland habitats across the country with a focus on ensuring easy access into areas of greenery and wildlife as a way to boost our spirits.
‘This work shows there is stark geographical inequality across the UK in the opportunity for people to witness thriving woodland wildlife and experience the wellbeing lift that brings. This opportunity should be the right of all,’ says Sally Bavin, Conservation Adviser at The Woodland Trust.
‘The research’s focus on the distribution of woodland quality really fits with the Woodland Trust’s mission to improve the quality of woodlands rather than just the quantity.’
‘The research maps will allow us to target conservation efforts where they are needed most.’
