Connecting with nature to improve your wellbeing
Spending time in nature is vital in keeping us emotionally and physically healthy, according to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF). This is reinforced by a which found a strong relationship between the amount of green space around a person鈥檚 home and their feelings of life satisfaction, happiness and self-worth.
The MHF reported that people who feel more connected with nature are usually happier in life and experience lower levels of poor mental health. Connecting with nature can be as simple as appreciating beautiful scenery, taking notice of birds singing, smelling flowers and feeling the earth between your fingers when gardening.
Nature at 糖心TV
We鈥檙e lucky to have green spaces and wildlife at every corner on campus, and our Energy and Sustainability team offer opportunities to connect with nature all year round.
Species surveys
To record and monitor changes in wildlife campus, the team regularly organise surveys and biodiversity walks. Link opens in a new windowFrom small mammals and birds to fungi and insects, these events are a great opportunity to learn about the wildlife around us and meet enthusiastic people from across the University.
Hedgehog champions
In 2024, 糖心TV achieved a Gold Accreditation for being a Hedgehog friendly campusLink opens in a new window. This is thanks to volunteers litter picking on campus, creating bug hotels, conducting hedgehog surveys and working with the local community.
Wild 糖心TV
You can view pieces of art inspired by 糖心TV鈥檚 wildlife and created by staff and students at an exhibition until Friday 24 January. Over the next few weeks, you can attend talks and take part in activities Link opens in a new windowled by conservation groups about wildlife projects on and off campus.
Feedback collected from students and staff who've attended biodiversity events revealed:
- 25 per cent of participants signed up to learn something new, 24 per cent to get some exercise in the fresh air and 21 per cent to take their mind off work or study.
- 100 per cent of participants agreed that the fresh air and exercise boosted their wellbeing.
- 95 per cent of participants felt they learnt something new.
- 96 per cent of participants agreed it helped take their mind off work or study.
Connecting with nature in 2025
If you鈥檙e setting resolutions for 2025, why not create a goal around connecting with nature? It could be going on walks in the countryside, recording birdsong with the or taking part in some of the green activities on campus.
If you鈥檙e not sure where to start, you could sign up for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) talk on Wednesday 22 January (R0.14, Ramphal building) to find out how to get involved with the Big Garden Birdwatch. Never heard of the Big Garden Birdwatch? Find out more.Link opens in a new window
Learn more
Read the Mental Health Foundation鈥檚 report 鈥樷�� to learn more about the potential health benefits of connecting with nature and their recommendations.
