GO WILD AT HOME

Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust has launched a project to help us all benefit from the calming power of nature, even in an urban setting

Bird song fills the air. Pops of yellow, white and purple are appearing in our gardens, parks, and woodlands. Lakes and ponds are filled with the next generation of frogs and toads. Queen bees are waking up from hibernation and busy starting a new colony. Spring is unfolding all around us, but this year, with the restrictions of lockdown, it has been more difficult to see and some of us are missing out on these experiences if they are not within walking distance of our homes. At this stressful time, a daily dose of nature is even more important. Studies have shown that nature and mental health are inextricably connected. Daily contact with wildlife and wild places is linked to reduced levels of chronic stress as well as reductions in obesity, and improved concentration. Employees are more rarely absent from work and more productive if they are able to look at green space during work. Natural features in our neighborhood can help reduce mental illness. Green exercise and ecotherapy benefit our health and wellbeing. In short, being in nature makes us happy. For children, growing up with regular contact with nature can help boost confidence, develop creativity and imagination, engender responsibility, and improve both physical and psychological skills.