Covid could fuel a greener Britain as it sparks a new relationship with nature

THE pandemic could lead to a greener Britain, according to research.

It has served to underline the importance of wildlife and the threat posed by climate change, say scientists.

Lead author Professor Masashi Soga, of the University of Tokyo, said: “Although undeniably tragic, Covid-19 may offer an invaluable opportunity to explore an appropriate future relationship between people and nature.”

The crisis is a unique “global experiment” that could help establish actions that have positive impacts for both.

Appreciation of parks and countryside is at an all-time high because of the coronavirus, says the international team.

Prof Soga, a conservation biologist, said: “It has raised many people’s motivation to take part in physical exercise.”

Factors include reduced everyday activity due to stay-at-home orders, a raised awareness of benefits to the immune system and widespread public health messages recommending exercise from media, governments and health authorities.

Prof Soga said: “It may be a key driver of the widespread significant increase in the use of green space.

“The increased use of natural environments during the pandemic could be attributed, at least partly, to increases in people’s motivation to spend time in nature itself.

“This notion stems from the assumption the pandemic has caused the majority of people to experience higher levels of stress, uncertainty and fear, and, as a result, natural environments might act as a ‘refuge’ in which they can foster psychological stability.

“In other words, nature can serve as a buffer in decreasing the adverse impacts of major stressful events on human health and well-being.”

The review, published in People And Nature, showed gardening or spending time outdoors can relieve “Covid-stress” – and even reduce risk of infection.

With fewer commuting and working from home possible for millions, levels of air pollution has plummeted. Theoretically, people can work anywhere with internet access.

Prof Soga said: “There has been increased interest in moving from large cities to live in more rural locations with larger gardens and better access to nature.

“These facts raise the possibility the extent of the health and wellbeing benefits derived from nature interactions, as well as societal awareness of these benefits, might have increased during the pandemic.”

Earlier this year Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose fiancee Carrie Symonds is an environmental campaigner, said: “We in the UK are determined not only to build back better from Covid but build back greener as well.”

The researchers believe the unprecedented changes, both good and bad, will last years

– as a “legacy effect”.