Mental Health & Wellbeing
In times of stress it’s important to be able to access green and natural spaces. Oligierd - CC BY 2.0
The Path to Rame. Andrew Bone (CC BY-2.0)
The value of wildlife
The value of spending time in places that are rich in wildlife was confirmed by an RSPB survey of adults in England during May 2020. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents agreed that living close to spaces that are rich in wildlife and nature was an advantage during the Coronavirus outbreak and 76% agreed that nature had been an important source of comfort and relief for them.
A growing body of empirical evidence is revealing the value of nature experience for mental health. With rapid urbanization and declines in human contact with nature globally, crucial decisions must be taken about how to preserve and enhance opportunities for nature experience. (Bratman et al., Science Advances July 2019)
Mental health is one of the most serious and complex issues that we face in Britain today and it is great that we now have clearer scientific evidence that nature is so beneficial for our minds and our sense of self (Environment minister Rory Stewart, February 2016)
Mental Health and WellBeing
It is becoming clear that spending time in nature is tremendously good for our mental health and wellbeing. Natural England polled 2000 adults for their first ever national ‘People and Nature Survey’ and published the results in May 2020. The large majority (89%) agreed that green and natural spaces are good for mental health and wellbeing and 87% agreed that ‘being in nature makes me happy’.
There is now compelling evidence to show that contact with nature and the outdoors improves physical health and mental wellbeing (Alan Law, Natural England)
Beautiful and unspoilt countryside is good for our well-being and mental health, especially at a time like this. We are a rural county which is both a natural asset and a reason for tens of thousands of people to visit us every year to refresh their spirits and enjoy a holiday away from the rat race. This is something to be nurtured and protected. It is priceless. (Richard Stubbs, Chairman, CPRE Cornwall)
A place to contemplate. Amanda Slater (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Reflection. Scott Richard (CC BY-ND 2.0)
A Natural Health Service
Other recent studies that confirm this include a survey by the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA). During the 2020 lockdown the SWCPA surveyed over 1,000 people to find out what the Coast Path meant to them. Nearly 80% of respondents said that they feel more positive after walking on the Coast Path; three quarters said that they feel less stressed; 57% said they feel able to sleep better and 62% feel inspired to be more active. The survey showed that particularly during the challenge of lockdown, the Coast Path has been a lifeline for so many people when it came to staying physically and mentally healthy. Commenting on the survey, SWCPA Director Julian Gray said:
“Since lockdown, more people than ever are choosing to visit the coast path to reconnect with nature. We hope that people maintain these new healthy habits and that with them, comes a renewed appreciation of the power of being active in nature for our health. Some are predicting the psychological impacts of living through a pandemic to be significant and long-lasting, so as a society, connecting [with] our ‘Natural Health Service’ will be more important than ever”.
In describing the country’s walking and cycling trails as a ‘Natural Health Service’, the SWCPA quote estimates that they save the NHS £167 million a year. The South West Coast Path is thought to have saved the NHS £40 million on its own. That is the equivalent of £63,000 for every mile of the 630-mile route.
Blue spaces
Yet more evidence that being outside is good for us, especially if it’s near water, comes from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. The institute has already conducted numerous studies that confirm the health benefits associated with green spaces, including lower risk of obesity, better attention capacities in children and slower physical decline in older adults. Now a new 2020 study provides evidence that blue spaces – areas near a stretch of water - are especially good for our mental health. The study followed 59 adults over three weeks. In the first week, they spent 20 minutes each day walking near a stretch of water (a blue space). In a different week, they spent 20 minutes a day walking in an urban environment. A yet another week, the participants spent 20 minutes a day resting indoors
Before, during and after each activity, researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure and heart rate and used questionnaires to assess their wellbeing and mood. We saw a significant improvement in the participants’ wellbeing and mood immediately after they went for a walk in the blue space’ stated the co-ordinator of the study.
The Rame headland, of course, offers all these three priceless assets in one magnificent space: a coast path traversing a spectacular area of natural beauty; a rich biodiversity of wildlife; and panoramic views of the sea that makes for a ‘blue space’ that is surely amongst the finest in the world.
Many family memories are made in natural spaces. Matt Saunders - CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0
It’s not only people who love being outdoors! Thomas James Caldwell (CC BY-SA 2.0)