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Study Reveals Benefits of Nature-Based Activities for Mental Health
Recent research has unveiled that engaging in nature-based activities can lead to notable improvements in mood and anxiety levels among individuals with mild to moderate mental health challenges, often within a brief 12-week timeframe.
In line with the UK government’s initiative to enhance mental health services, seven ‘test and learn’ green social prescribing sites were established across England, including a pioneering program in Humber and North Yorkshire that has recently released its findings.
Green social prescribing entails healthcare professionals referring patients to various community-centric nature activities aimed at boosting overall health and well-being alongside traditional medical treatments. While these programs are currently in a trial phase, emerging evidence underscores the urgency for investment in such initiatives to create additional support options for patients nationwide.
Over 220 participants from the Humber and North Yorkshire region took part in the program, which assessed their mental health status before and after involvement in a variety of organized nature-based activities such as horticulture, care farming, sports, exercise, and mindful outdoor crafts.
Participants typically engaged in the program weekly over different durations: some for one to four weeks, others for five to eight weeks, and a final group for nine to 12 weeks. The research team employed the Office for National Statistics measures of personal well-being and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to evaluate improvements in mental health.
The findings indicated that most participants experienced positive changes in their well-being. Notably, those engaged in longer programs, particularly those lasting nine to 12 weeks or focused on horticulture and care farming, reported more significant enhancements in mood and reduced anxiety compared to individuals involved in shorter activities or those related to outdoor crafts and creative sessions.
These observed improvements bear a resemblance to the benefits typically associated with short-term cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where individuals meet one-on-one with a therapist over a span of weeks to months.
Professor Peter Coventry from the University of York’s Department of Health Sciences commented on the results, stating: “For some time now, it has been understood that nature positively influences health and well-being. However, recent research reinforces this, especially regarding mental health.” He emphasized the active engagement in nature—such as gardening and community farming—as more impactful than passive enjoyment of natural settings.
According to Professor Coventry, the social aspect of these activities also plays a pivotal role. “Engaging in nature with others can combat feelings of loneliness that often accompany anxiety and depression. Participating in these collective activities not only enhances individual well-being but strengthens community bonds through shared experiences,” he noted.
The study’s favorable outcomes were observed across a wide age spectrum, from 18 to 85 years, and among different genders. Researchers now advocate for increased funding to support these community activities and to facilitate the hiring of green social prescribers whom GPs and healthcare professionals can connect their patients with.
Trish Darcy, a research associate from the university’s Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, remarked: “While this intervention may not be suitable for everyone, an initial exploratory conversation with a social prescriber can help determine if nature-based activities would benefit a patient. For this to be viable, increased investment in community activities is essential.” She noted that 65% of participants came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, highlighting the dual benefits of improving individual mental health while positively impacting the local community environment.
The evaluation has been published in the journal Health & Social Care in the Community, in collaboration with The HEY Smile Foundation and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Dr. Hannah Armitt, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the Humber and North Yorkshire test-and-learn program, stated: “The research in our area can improve service delivery by integrating statutory services with local providers of nature-based and outdoor activities. It is crucial to document the potential of green spaces to ensure that both clinicians and patients can utilize this abundant natural resource in Yorkshire and Humber.”
This initiative forms part of a broader cross-government project on green social prescribing, managed by DEFRA, in partnership with several national organizations, including the Department of Health and Social Care and Sport England.
Anthony Hurd, the Humber and North Yorkshire Green Social Prescribing Programme Manager, added, “This research has illustrated not only the mental health benefits of nature-based activities but also the essential role community organizations play in promoting health and well-being. As the healthcare landscape shifts towards community-based care and prevention strategies, it is crucial that organizations facilitating such activities are recognized and adequately supported.”
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