Young people’s mental health bolstered by nature projects, report says
This Guardian article (20 October 2022) reports on the Our Bright Future scheme, which improved 3,000 community spaces. Participants noted a confidence and wellbeing boost. Young people's skills were also improved. The Our Bright Future programme led to almost 9,000 young people gaining qualifications and 1,600 getting work experience.
The mental health benefits of volunteering in nature
This post in Scotland’s Nature (16 May 2022) shares Claire’s story. She describes the five key ingredients that volunteering in nature provides which can promote our health and wellbeing.
A Highland haven
The John Muir Trust’s latest Wild Inside (Issue 47) newsletter shares Mark Piasecki's Haven. This short but powerful film highlights how the Scottish Highlands helped his mental health journey. Check out the John Muir Trust’s Wild and Well campaign which celebrates the invaluable connection between wild places and people's health.
Low childhood nature exposure is associated with worse mental health in adulthood
This research study, by Miriam Preuβ et al (2019), in four European cities, showed that adults with low levels of childhood exposure to natural outdoor environments had significantly worse mental health when compared to adults with high levels of childhood exposure to natural outdoor environments.
Just how much time outdoors in nature is enough?
Teachers know that outdoor learning benefits their pupils. This research paper presents the results from two studies. The authors (DJ Harvey, LN Montgomery, R White) show how a one-off activity boosts children’s mood and biodiversity knowledge; and an hour a week can also improve their mental wellbeing.
Climate change: Young people very worried – survey
The BBC reports on a new global survey which illustrates the depth of anxiety many young people are feeling about climate change.
Take care of yourself – follow the green care code
Go Jauntly have teamed up with the Nature Connectedness Research Group from the University of Derby and the Mental Health Foundation to create the Green Care Code. This can help improve your own wellbeing, and nature.
Outdoor natural spaces support mental health
Read this update to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) evidence report on green and blue spaces and mental health.
