The Science of Nature and the Work that we deliver

Numerous studies have highlighted the profound impact that spending time in nature can have on both mental and physical health. Research shows that engaging in activities like bushcraft and other nature based activities can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving overall mood and cognitive function, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The list of studies is not exhaustive! of course not! Its ongoing and the body of work is increasing weekly. Here are some studies that you may find useful.

Forest Schools are now much more prevalent and are considered an alternative to main stream education for children, especially those that are not designed to fit in to the current education system which has not evolved for decades.

At New Leaf Nature & Wellbeing we celebrate individuality and champion those that choose an alternative approach to education and development. We are not all square pegs fitting in to square holes! Thankfully we help serve those of all shapes whilst nature creates the perfect space for them to fit themselves in to if they wish.

To read more, we have detailed some studies that may interest you below.

"A Dose of Nature: Tree Cover, Stress Reduction, and Gender Differences" Conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, this study explores the relationship between exposure to green spaces and stress reduction. Using data from the Scottish Household Survey, the study found that individuals living in areas with higher levels of tree cover reported lower levels of stress and improved well-being. Interestingly, the study also highlights gender differences in the perception of nature's benefits, with women experiencing greater stress reduction compared to men.

"Urban Mind: Using Smartphone Technologies to Investigate the Impact of Nature on Mental Well-being in Real Time" Led by researchers at King's College London and landscape architects at J & L Gibbons, the Urban Mind project investigates the immediate effects of urban green spaces on mental well-being. Using smartphone technology, participants track their daily experiences and mood while interacting with different urban environments. Preliminary findings suggest that brief encounters with nature, such as walking in a park or green space, can have immediate positive effects on mood and stress reduction, highlighting the importance of accessible green spaces in urban settings.

"The Mental Health Benefits of Purposeful Activities in Public Green Spaces in Urban and Semi-urban Neighbourhoods: A Mixed-methods Pilot and Proof of Concept Study" This study, led by researchers at the University of Essex, examines the mental health benefits of engaging in purposeful activities, such as gardening or community events, in public green spaces. Combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the study explores how participation in green space activities contributes to stress reduction, social connection, and overall well-being among urban and semi-urban residents in the UK. The findings suggest that community-based activities in green spaces play a crucial role in promoting mental health and social cohesion within local neighbourhoods.

These three studies provide valuable insights into the specific benefits of nature experiences within the UK context, shedding light on the importance of green spaces for mental well-being and quality of life in urban and rural communities.Led by researchers at King's College London and landscape architects at J & L Gibbons, the Urban Mind project investigates the immediate effects of urban green spaces on mental well-being. Using smartphone technology, participants track their daily experiences and mood while interacting with different urban environments. Preliminary findings suggest that brief encounters with nature, such as walking in a park or green space, can have immediate positive effects on mood and stress reduction, highlighting the importance of accessible green spaces in urban settings.

"Wilderness Therapy for Mental Health: A Review of the Evidence"

This comprehensive review, published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, examines the effectiveness of wilderness therapy programs for improving mental health outcomes. While not exclusively focused on bushcraft, many wilderness therapy programs incorporate elements of outdoor skills, survival techniques, and connection with nature similar to those found in bushcraft. The review highlights the positive impact of wilderness experiences on reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as enhancing overall well-being and resilience.

"Adventure Therapy: A Review of the Literature"
This review, published in the Journal of Experiential Education, explores the therapeutic benefits of adventure-based interventions, including activities such as camping, and wilderness survival skills. These adventure therapy programs often integrate elements of outdoor skills and survival techniques to promote personal growth, self-efficacy, and resilience among participants. The review synthesises evidence from various studies and emphasises the value of experiential learning in natural environments for improving mental health outcomes.

"The Impact of Outdoor Learning Experiences on Attitudes Towards Nature, Self-efficacy, and Environmental Behaviour"

This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth, investigates the effects of outdoor education programs on participants' attitudes, self-efficacy, and behaviour towards nature and the environment. Outdoor learning experiences often involve hands-on activities, problem-solving challenges, and wilderness skills training similar to those found in bushcraft. The study highlights the positive impact of outdoor education on fostering a deeper connection with nature, enhancing self-confidence, and promoting pro-environmental behaviours among participants.

These studies provide valuable insights into the broader therapeutic benefits of outdoor experiences, which often encompass elements of bushcraft skills and nature connection. Integrating bushcraft activities into therapeutic programs may offer additional opportunities for enhancing mental health and well-being through hands-on learning, self-discovery, and immersion in natural environments.

"Mindfulness and Its Relationship with Perceived Stress, Affect, and Burnout in Forestry Students"

This study, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, examines the relationship between mindfulness and well-being among forestry students. While not directly focused on forest bathing, the study highlights the positive impact of mindfulness practices on reducing perceived stress, improving affect (mood), and preventing burnout. These findings suggest that cultivating mindfulness skills may enhance overall well-being, which could complement the effects of forest bathing.

Research on the correlation between mindfulness and forest bathing (also known as shinrin-yoku) is an emerging field that suggests a synergistic relationship between the two practices in promoting holistic well-being. While specific studies may be limited, there are several pieces of research that highlight the individual benefits of mindfulness and forest bathing on well-being, which can provide insight into their combined effects.

"Effect of Forest Bathing on Stress Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"

This systematic review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, synthesises evidence from multiple studies on the effects of forest bathing on stress reduction. While not specifically examining mindfulness, many forest bathing interventions encourage participants to engage in mindful awareness of their surroundings, leading to relaxation and stress relief. The review concludes that forest bathing is effective in promoting stress recovery and improving physiological markers of stress, which may contribute to holistic well-being.

"Mindfulness in Nature Enhances Connectedness and Mood"

This study, published in Ecopsychology, investigates the effects of mindfulness in nature on connectedness and mood among participants. The study involves mindfulness practices conducted in natural environments, which share similarities with the immersion in nature experienced during forest bathing. The findings suggest that mindfulness in nature enhances feelings of connectedness to the environment and improves mood, highlighting the potential synergy between mindfulness and nature-based experiences in promoting well-being.

These studies provide preliminary evidence for the complementary effects of mindfulness and forest bathing on holistic well-being, suggesting that combining mindfulness practices with immersion in natural environments may amplify the benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health.

Summaries of five studies that highlight the positive impact of spending time in nature on well-being:

1. "The Power of Nature:Researchers have investigated the effectiveness of nature-based interventions, such as ecotherapy and wilderness therapy, for treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

2. "Nature Experience Reduces Rumination and Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex Activation":Conducted by researchers at Stanford University, this study reveals that spending time in nature can quiet the mind and alleviate negative thought patterns. Using brain imaging techniques, the study found that participants who went on a 90-minute walk in nature showed decreased activity in the brain region associated with repetitive, self-referential thoughts, known as rumination. This suggests that nature experiences may help break the cycle of negative thinking and promote mental clarity and well-being.

3. "Green Space and Mental Health: Pathways, Impacts, and Gaps":Published in the Journal of Urban Design and Mental Health, this comprehensive review examines the relationship between green spaces and mental health outcomes. The study highlights the various pathways through which exposure to nature positively influences mental well-being, including stress reduction, improved cognitive function, social cohesion, and physical activity. By synthesising existing evidence, the researchers underscore the importance of urban green spaces in promoting mental health and resilience.

4. "The Benefits of Nature Experience: Improved Affect and Cognition":This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, explores how brief interactions with nature can enhance mood and cognitive function. Through a series of experiments, participants engaged in activities such as walking in nature, viewing nature photographs, or simply imagining themselves in natural environments. The results demonstrated that even short exposures to nature led to significant improvements in mood, attention, and memory, highlighting the restorative power of nature on mental well-being.

5. "A Systematic Review of Evidence for the Added Benefits to Health of Exposure to Natural Environments":Published in BMC Public Health, this systematic review analyses numerous studies to assess the health benefits associated with exposure to natural environments. The findings indicate that spending time in green spaces, such as parks, forests, or gardens, is associated with a wide range of positive health outcomes, including reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced physical activity, and better overall well-being. The review underscores the importance of preserving and promoting access to natural environments for public health and quality of life.

These studies collectively emphasise the profound impact that nature experiences can have on mental, emotional, and physical well-being, providing compelling evidence for the therapeutic value of connecting with the natural world.

REFERENCE ARTICLES

Royal College Of Psychiatrists - Nature Matters in Mental Health
Choosing Therapy - 10 Benefits Of Nature On Mental Health
National Trust - A Guide to Forest Bathing
Natural England - Review Of Nature Based Interventions For Mental Health Care
First UK Trial Of Forest Bathing - A Pragmatic Controlled Trial Of Forest Bathing
Mental Health UK - Young Workers And Mental Health In the Workplace
Wikipedia - Phytoncides