How to harness the healing power of nature
TV’S Jimmy Doherty tells us how getting close to nature can make us feel grounded again
The calming effects of nature on our mental health are so significant, even doctors are prescribing outdoor activities to people suffering from anxiety and depression. Something as simple as listening to a bird singing or feeling the sun on our faces can really help give us a lift. With 2020 serving up enough drama to keep us permanently on edge, getting our dose of the natural world is essential to our sanity right now.
We spoke to Jamie Oliver’s BFF, farmer Jimmy Doherty, who loves the outdoors so much that he filmed in a woodland for an entire year to observe the natural surroundings. His show Jimmy’s Forest was originally made ten years ago, but it is now on All 4 and is fast becoming a cult hit alongside lockdown heroes Gardeners’ World and The Repair Shop. Jimmy tells heat how to really be at one with nature, even if the closest thing you have to woodland near you is a tree by the local bus stop.
Why is nature so important for us right now?
We’re inundated by constant terrible news about what we can’t do during the coronavirus pandemic. But one of the good things to come out of this horrible situation is that people have really learnt to appreciate getting out into nature and reconnecting. Be that the park down the road or the local woods.
How does nature affect our mental health?
There’s something wonderful about our busy lives where we’re running around and attached to our phones, and to suddenly stop and watch the leaves in the wind in a woodland. To slow down and switch off for a moment is so good for your soul. It allows us to collect our thoughts and relax.
What was your biggest learning lesson from the experience?
The most surprising thing was how natural it is to be around nature. For most people, it’s a bit like, “Ew, what’s that? It’s on me!” We forget that we are part of the natural world, and we need it more than it needs us. It’s such a complex world and we need to appreciate it, so get out there and enjoy it more. But don’t forget that we also have to preserve it because if we lose more and more biodiversity, then we’re not going to be around for much longer.
What if you don’t have any woodland on your doorstep?
Nature is absolutely everywhere, and if you don’t have a garden or any green spaces nearby, then you can create a window box to grow wild flowers in. Or it could even be as simple as an aquarium. We planted one up with lovely plants, and in that fish tank, you can see how they swim and interact. Watching them has a lovely calming effect. You could
also put a bird feeder out. Bring nature into the house, as well. But wherever you can, just go for a walk. Any green space will do as there is always something going on that you can look at.
Where did you get your love of nature?
We moved from east London to rural Essex when I was quite young, and my brother was mad into football, so whenever he went to the field to play,i’d play in the grass and catch butterflies. I had all these weird pets and turned our garage into a reptile house and the carport into an aviary. I had tortoises and polecats and snakes in tanks. I’ve always been obsessed with how nature works.
How has your farm been doing during all this?
Well, all the animals need feeding still and the place needs to keep running, even though there were no visitors. Luckily, we’re open again now as the animals really missed the visitors. The donkeys in particular really recognise the regulars, and they got quite depressed when they weren’t seeing anyone. ■