An ever-growing body of research points to the fact that nature is not only nice, we need regular doses to thrive, says

Getting outside can boost physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, with plenty of studies singing the praises of spending time in green spaces.

And while rewilding in an environmental context is all about allowing the landscape to restore and rebalance itself to create more diverse and healthy habitats, rewilding on a human, personal level can work just the same.

Deliberately immersing ourselves in nature and allowing our senses to soak up the sights, sounds and smells around us can help our bodies and minds reconnect to natural biorhythms and bring seemingly endless health benefits.

So as winter ends and spring begins this week, how can you make rewilding work for you?

TAKE TWO

You’ve got to dedicate at least 120 minutes a week to go to green spaces to feel the benefits, according to research from the University of Exeter. In a study of 20,000 people, those who spent two hours a week in nature reported better health and psychological wellbeing than those who didn’t.

And the two-hour threshold may be non-negotiable. Those who spent less time than this reported no benefits.

It doesn’t matter how you achieve the magic number – people who took one long walk on the weekend or multiple shorter visits to local parks throughout the week reported the same levels of wellbeing boosts.

MAKE NATURE NOTES

Nature-based citizen science projects, where members of the public get actively involved in environmental research, are not only good for the planet, they’re good for the citizens doing the science too.

A study by the University of Derby and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology found that people who took part in insect and butterfly recording reported a boost to their wellbeing. You can sign up to all sorts of citizen-science projects that help monitor and protect wildlife and nature.

Look out for The Wildlife Trusts’ Shoresearch and the Natural History Museum’s Bioblitzes, which create a snapshot of wildlife in a particular location. Apps where you can submit your nature sightings include irecord Butterflies developed by the charity Butterfly Conservation, and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s FIT Count app (Flower-insect Timed Count) a 10-minute survey designed to collect data on numbers of flower-visiting insects.

WALKIES

Make a pledge to get out of the house for a stroll to the local park or countryside at least once a day – just as you would if you had a dog to walk. Getting out into natural daylight, even on overcast days, can help the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression people experience in winter and during a change in seasons.

Sticking to the commitment, even when it’s windy or rainy, can not only ease symptoms of SAD but also give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, building resilience, a quality that can help you better handle stress and protect you from anxiety.

NATURE’S NUTRITIOUS

Who knew fresh air could help you reach your five a day?

According to researchers from Drexel University in the US, the closer in touch with nature you feel, the better you may eat as a result.

‘‘ Walking in woods has been proven to boost the immune system