Nature and wellbeing

We believe that everyone can benefit from accessing and experiencing the joy of nature. We want more people to discover that regular contact and connection with the natural world can improve their health and wellbeing, as well as sense of belonging. We hope that in turn more people will care about, protect and take action for wildlife. Seeing birds near our homes, walking through green spaces filled with wild flowers, and along rivers that are clean and clear can reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression.

Evidence shows that even seeing nature through a window has a positive impact on our health. Creating more, and better, natural spaces and protecting and improving those we already have, will boost our mental and physical wellbeing, delivering billions of pounds in cost savings to the NHS and creating thousands of jobs.

Evidence shows that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits both physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health. However, just 35% of households with annual incomes below £10,000 are within a 10-minute walk of a publicly accessible natural green space. This is why The Wildlife Trusts are working to bring wildlife to more people, and more people to wildlife.

The Wildlife Trusts' health and well-being programmes near you have also been shown to save the NHS money and cut reliance on their resources. With the NHS under unprecedented pressure, it has never been more important that Wildlife Trusts reach more people, delivering proven health and well-being gains. Read more >

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