Page 8 - Natural World Spring 2017
P. 8

PEOPLE & WILDLIFE

                                                                                        FFeeeell

       Dominic Higgins
       is Nature and
       Wellbeing
       manager at The
       Wildlife Trusts
       @DomCHiggins

       Research proves (again) that Nature is good for you

       A report by Essex University*,        around the world. It proposes five

       commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, evidence-based ‘Ways to Wellbeing’.

       adds to the ever-growing body of      If you practice them in natural

       research which shows that Nature is settings, you will improve your

       good for you.                         physical and mental health.

       The key finding is that wildlife-rich

       environments don’t just keep you      CONNECT Make friends with the

       physically healthy. They also reduce people around you

       stress, improve mood, and reduce      BE ACTIVE Go for a walk outside

       social isolation.                     TAKE NOTICE Be aware of the                  Outdoor participants at
                                                                                        Nottinghamshire Wildlife
       The report includes work by the       wonders of nature around you
                                                                                          Trust’s Skylarks project
       New Economics Foundation which is KEEP LEARNING Try something new

GETTY  based on the work of 400 scientists GIVE Volunteer or help other people

       *Wellbeing benefits from natural environments rich in wildlife, Essex University

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