HANNAH BRITT
expert and psychologist Dr Miles Richardson.
Yet according to recent research, we are spending less time in the great outdoors than ever. Indeed a survey has revealed that 69 per cent of Britons feel like they have lost touch with nature altogether.
The study, from Jordans Cereals, looked at how connected people in the UK felt with wildlife and the natural world around them and discovered that the average adult had not visited the countryside for two years. But repeated studies have shown how being immersed in nature can improve attention span, mood and energy levels.
“A strong connection with nature is good for us. It is as important for wellbeing as education or income,” says Dr Richardson.
“Being around trees brings calm and
As research reveals being close to nature is good for wellbeing, finds out how best to take a hands-on approach
TOP TIPS TO GET BACK TO NATURE You don’t even have to find a tree. Simply sit next to a flowerbed, pot plant, or shrub and observe it. Look at the leaves, the stem, the petals. Touch them and notice how they feel. The Field Studies Council offers nationwide tree identification courses so you can know your conifers from your cedars. Prices vary. For more information visit field-studies-council.org. Feeling the grass under your feet is an excellent way to get in touch with nature.
Sit in your garden: Know your trees: Walk barefoot:
TRUNK CALL: Hannah felt calm as she hugged a tree contentment and can improve our health.” A survey from outdoor holiday experts Canopy & Stars revealed that 98 per cent of respondents believed that spending time in nature and around trees improved their mental and physical health. Yet the average city dweller spends four times longer looking at a screen than they do being outdoors. More than one third spend 40 hours and more a week in front of a screen. But you can reap nature’s benefits, no matter where you live.
“Living in a city doesn’t mean that you have to be starved of nature. Often there are plenty of green spaces even in the busiest of cities,” says Tom Dixon, managing director of Canopy & Stars.
“Head to your local park and take a stroll, pick your favourite tree on your street or find out where your nearest nature reserve is.”
Getting started couldn’t be simpler. “Make contact – hug a tree, touch the bark, smell the pine trees and listen to the wind through the leaves,” says Dr Richardson.
With that in mind I headed to my local park. I might live in Hackney, east London, but there are plenty of trees for me to get my hands on.
Choosing a wide-trunked London plane tree, I wrapped my arms as far as I could around it. For a few minutes I forgot the stresses of the day ahead. Although several dog walkers looked at me as if I was deranged I left my tree feeling relaxed and ready to face the day.
For an instant mood boost, it’s worth looking barking mad.