Our friends at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are encouraging people of all ages to connect with the natural world through a range of New Year events and activities, and to experience wildlife close up at Nature Reserves throughout the region. Research shows that interactions with nature promote psychological restoration, improve mood and attention, as well as reduce stress and anxiety.

We often hear about the healing power of nature, but you may be surprised to see some of the remarkable results from research conducted over a 5-year period as part of The Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild. Professor Miles Richardson at the University of Derby surveyed 1,000 participants, measuring their connection to nature, health, happiness and the extent to which they engaged in pro-nature behaviours. The findings revealed:

• The daily activity made people significantly happier, particularly those who started with a relatively weak connection to nature.

• The challenge boosted the health of participants by an average of 30%

• Increases in people’s health and happiness were still felt two months after the challenge was over.

• The more connected to nature people feel, the more they will do something to help to protect it – behaviours that benefit wildlife, habitats and communities.

Getting out in nature can be good for us physically too. Being in green spaces can lower the stress hormone cortisol and nature’s calming effect can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, exercising in the wild, whether a family walk, bike ride or run can improve muscle tone and overall fitness levels too.

Lea Ellis, Wilder Communities Officer and member of the Trust’s Wellbeing Team, said: “Watching a cheeky sparrow in a bird bath, listening to the leaves rustle on the breeze, or seeing a tree bursting with blossom improves how we feel and provides us with positive, long-lasting memories. By making the time to tune into the sights and sounds of nature every day, it can really boost our mood and make us feel calmer – what’s more it’s so easy to do.

She continues, “That’s why, we’re getting 2023 off to a healthy start by promoting events that all the family can be involved in, from winter walks and talks, to family tree planting sessions and creative workshops. We’re also highlighting some activities that families can try at home and in their local neighbourhoods to connect with and support nature. You can also visit over 40 Nature Reserves and project sites across the region and, for those adults with time to give, volunteering with the Trust is another satisfying way to get close to nature, to learn new skills and to enjoy the social interaction of meeting new people - all of which feed into our sense of wellbeing.”

The benefits of a relationship with nature are there for everyone - it’s accessible, low or no cost, and its impact on wellbeing is often felt quickly. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust provide a monthly newsletter full of opportunities to experience nature and wildlife in the area, plus nature-based events, news and what to look out for each month. You can sign up at www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk where you’ll also find more information on your nearest Nature Reserve, family-friendly winter walks, New Year events and wildlife projects which will keep everyone engaged and entertained.

5 Ways to Wellbeing with Nature

1. Be Active

Go outside for a walk and explore your nearest Nature Reserve. Here are 5 fabulous winter walks in the area, including some great family-friendly options: www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/winter-walks

2. Connect

With your family to share wildlife experiences. Check out the Trust’s Wild Child Nature Activity Guide, which provides inspiration for plenty of wild family fun and includes, spotter guides, a step-by-step guide to create a mini nature reserve, a colour wheel prompt to seek out the different shades of nature, plus lots more – all of which will provide great talking points: bit.ly/nature-guide

3. Give

Do something to help your local place and the people that live there. Why not book yourself onto a free rewilding afternoon at Home Farm Glamping? As well as the health benefits of getting outside together, you’ll be helping to improve the Estate’s biodiversity and developing a woodland for generations to come. Check out our What’s On page or find other events in Hertfordshire here.

How about getting together with friends or neighbours to make your community more wildlife friendly? This is something all the family can get involved in, from creating hedgehog corridors across gardens to making sure the birds have food during these colder months, you can find help and ‘how to’ guides here to work on together: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/actions

4. Take Notice

…Of the everyday wildlife on your doorstep. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes outside to start seeing and hearing the exciting sounds and sights of nature. Head outdoors to marvel at frosty cobwebs, spot birds in your garden or a squirrel on a fence, and, if you’re up early, look out of the window and see what wildlife is around then too. Why not keep a daily log of all the family’s sightings and see how that compares with the next day? Here are some of the wild sights to look out for this winter: www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/wild-things-discover-winter

5. Learn

Try something new. Nature-curious families might enjoy our bat walks and nature trails at Home Farm from April - September, or find out more about local wildlife by joining one of the Trust’s many events talks and workshops throughout the year - there’s something for all the family to learn!