© Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION
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.
©Toby Roxburgh 2020VISION
Sheeps on Anglesey ©Tami Roberston
© Yvette Louise
Porth Dafarch, Holyhead © Anthony Ward
© Esther Jane, Beddgelert Beach
Bethan Vaughan Davies near Afon Wen Beach on the Llýn Peninsula .
Short eared owl on the Hiraethog Moors © Tony Pope
near Tudweiliog, Llyn Peninsula © Stephen Baird-Parker
Alan Smethurst, Bagillt looking out towards Hilbre Island.
Volunteer clearing bramble at one our nature reserves
Snowy Mold golf course by Lisa Wheildon
Common blue butterfly on oxeye daisy (c) Amy Lewis
Bird feeder on Spinnies Aberogwen nature reserve © Steve Ransome
One study found that just 5 MINUTES of green exercise results in improved mood and self-esteem!
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).
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!
Reports and Studies
WILDLIFE TRUST REPORTS
Nature's health benefits by University of Essex
Research summary by Leeds Becket and Essex Universities
GENERAL REPORTS
Independent article citing health benefits of birdsong
Guardian article citing health benefits of birdsong
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!
