New Research Proves Woodland Wildlife Does Wonders For Wellbeing
By Jill Dando News
The sights, sounds, and smells of British woodlands have been proven to uplift our mood and wellbeing, new research shows.
An overwhelming 90% of more than 10,000 people surveyed for the study, supported by the Woodland Trust, reported that wildlife in the UK’s woodlands boosted their mood and general wellbeing.
The study highlighted specific traits that contribute to this positive impact, such as spotting a squirrel, hearing a robin’s song, witnessing a bird of prey soaring, or feeling the crunch of autumn leaves.
Woodland sounds like birds singing, leaves crunching, and trees rustling were found to stimulate the most wellbeing responses.
Key findings include:
- 90% of participants agreed that woodland biodiversity positively impacted their wellbeing.
- Silver birch topped the list of favorite trees, followed by horse chestnut and oak.
- Blue tits were the most beneficial woodland birds for wellbeing, with blackbird and chaffinch close behind.
- Seasonal changes were found to have no significant impact on the mental health benefits of woods, proving that any time of year is ideal for woodland visits.
Woodland Trust Chief Executive Dr. Darren Moorcroft emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone has access to vibrant, nature-rich woodlands, where both people and wildlife can thrive.
Researchers agree that maintaining and restoring high-quality forests is essential for wellbeing.
Surprisingly, the research found that seasonal differences were irrelevant to the mental health benefits, meaning that, while humans may yearn for sunnier and warmer spring days after a long, bleak winter, a walk in the woods is beneficial in any weather and at any time of year.
Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said:
"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.
Martin Dallimer, Professor of environmental sustainability at Imperial College London, agreed:
"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."
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