Page 15 - Wildlife News April 2017
P. 15
FFeeeell bbeetttteerroinustisdidee
Research continues to show that being active in nature
helps us all to grow, live and age well. And that means green
environments can help reduce the strain on the NHS
P eople in the UK are living longer. LONDON WT it’s on the doorstep of the care home.
On the face of it, this is good news. When mobility prevents us from getting
This rise in life expectancy, At London Wildlife Trust’s Potted History project, social outside, we hold wildlife quizzes and
however, is not matched by equivalent gardening fulfils all five ‘Ways to Wellbeing’ activities – but the overriding thing for
levels of good health. For many, it means me is the social aspect.”
spending their later years in ill-health managed to give up smoking,” says
and loneliness. another. “I was depressed, but now I The Health and Social Care Act 2012
really look forward to coming here.” gave local authorities new
This is a huge challenge for our local responsibilities to improve the health of
and national health services. For Comments like these, alongside other their populations, and reduce health
example, research by Holt-Lunstad feedback, shows that the London inequalities. Improving access to green
(2015), shows that being lonely is as Wildlife Trust project has reduced social space is probably the most effective way
damaging to our health as smoking 15 they can achieve these objectives.
cigarettes a day. Participants
are happy to Better connected
Fortunately, many studies show that interact with
accessible green spaces can work well as others BBOWT is looking at more ways to
social connectors. Quite simply, they can connect people with nature – and each
cut the social and economic costs of isolation. It has given people a regular other. Here are a few examples.
ageing alone. opportunity to get out of the house,
learn new things and interact with Nature Memories Café: This two-month
One solution for both problems is others. The experience of being pilot project, run in collaboration with
London Wildlife Trust’s Potted History outdoors in nature has also improved West Berkshire Council, invited people
project – a programme of nature-based their mood and happiness. living with dementia and their carers to
activities that works with older people in a weekly drop-in session at the Nature
the community and in care settings. Each Meanwhile, in the Midlands, a second Discovery Centre. Organiser Becky
week, a group meets in Peckham where Wildlife Trust project caters for more O’Melia explains its impact: “Participants
participants grow herbs, fruit and vulnerable people who cannot get enjoyed trying a simple nature-based art
vegetables in raised beds, observe the outside. “We try to bring nature to them activity while admiring the views across
wildlife of the garden and create art and as best we can,” explains Angie, a the lake. The relaxed social interaction in
craft inspired by nature. The activities act volunteer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife a natural environment clearly benefited
as prompts for memories, and Trust, which runs outreach support to a everyone who came.” Pending further
participants share their experiences, care home next to the Skylarks reserve. funding, it is hoped the sessions will be
knowledge and thoughts with others – “Skylarks is such a beautiful reserve, and extended to a monthly basis.
including recipes, gardening tips and Simply Walk: In Buckinghamshire a new
jars of homemade chutney. weekly health walk at College Lake is
The effect has been encouraging more people to get active
extraordinarily positive. outdoors in a friendly setting. Part of
Participants are happy to get out Bucks County Council’s Simply Walk
of the house, learn new things programme, walkers can choose between
and interact with others. “I was a one or two mile circuit, finishing with
really anxious before coming coffee in the Badger Café. The walks are
today, but now I feel really free to attend and there’s no need to
relaxed. It’s nice being book. Just turn up every Wednesday at
outside,” reports one. 10.15am ready for a 10.30am start.
“Since coming here I’ve
Wildlife news / April 2017 15
