A Prescription For Nature

Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October) we are highlighting a new campaign from our friends at WWF-UK.

A huge majority of the UK public say spending time in nature has a positive impact on their mental health, yet a third say they spend time in it as little as once a week or less, according to new research published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which has launched a new Prescription for Nature campaign and toolkit with the support of ITV This Morning’s Dr Sara Kayat. 

With one in six people reporting a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, in any given week in England, it is clear that the country is experiencing a mental health crisis. [1] 

Engaging with nature supports good mental health [2], and research has found that that being in nature for just 20 minutes a day on average is enough to improve our mental wellbeing [3, 4]. The natural world provides the food we eat and the water we drink. It can also boost our mood, help us cope with stress, reduce anxiety and even raise our confidence.  

New research by More in Common for WWF [4] reveals that almost 9 in 10 (89%) of UK public say that spending time in nature has a positive effect on their mental health, with 69% opting to spend time outside if they want to lift their mood over other mood-boosting activities such as listening to music, watching TV or speaking to a family member. Nearly three quarters (73%) of the UK public say they feel calm when in nature and 61% feel happy. 

However, we also know that UK nature is in crisis [5] and it is increasingly difficult for people, including schoolchildren, to access nature on a regular basis and benefit from its positive effects. 

WWF’s research found that half those surveyed wish they spent more time in nature, including almost 60% of people living in large towns or urban city centres, and a third do not spend more than once a week reaping its benefits. In addition, 70% think that not enough is being done to protect nature. 

The survey also revealed that a third of those who wish they spent more time in nature say the greatest barrier stopping them accessing nature regularly is not having time, and a fifth that they don’t have enough natural space near them. One in eight people say they do not feel safe in the natural spaces near them, with this rising to nearly a quarter (23%) of 18–26-year-olds. 

WWF is encouraging the nation to get their ‘daily dose’ of nature, showing how it’s possible for everyone, wherever you live, to benefit from a daily dose. 

A Prescription for Nature 

WWF’s Prescription for Nature campaign is highlighting how connecting with nature can help us thrive. The charity has created an online hub aimed at both adults and children with easy, bitesize, personalised prescriptions and top tips for getting your daily dose. Just 20 minutes of nature on average per day can do wonders, and you don’t always have to go outside to experience the wellbeing wonders of nature if doesn’t feel right to you at any time – nature’s therapy can be brought into your home. 

From weekly forest adventures or experiencing the sensations of each season in your local park, to propagating houseplants, growing herbs or enjoying the soothing sounds of the Amazon rainforest while at home, there is a daily dose to suit everyone’s lifestyle. 

Time in nature is not a replacement for other treatment approaches to mental health problems, but can be an effective complement, and following recent successful NHS pilots [6], GPs may be more likely than ever to write out a nature prescription, directing patients to ‘green activities’ for their wellbeing.  

WWF’s Prescription for Nature is a self-prescription that both individuals and families can benefit from to improve and maintain their mental health, however they are feeling on any day.  

Tanya Steele, CEO at WWF, said: “Spending time in nature is proven to boost our wellbeing, whether it’s taking a walk through your local park or woodland, watching the birds from your window or marvelling at a starry sky as the nights draw in.  

“The evidence is clear – getting a daily dose of nature, even just for 20 minutes a day, can reduce anxiety and improve our mood, as well as making us more likely to take action to protect the health of our planet. Quite simply, when we restore nature, nature restores us.” 

The future is theirs 

Young people are also suffering from this mental health crisis, with 50% of 16–21-year-olds saying they ‘always feel anxious’ in Savanta’s State of the Youth Nation survey [7].  

Young people’s anxieties stem from a variety of pressures including school and university, money and jobs, social media and climate change [8], yet this young and vulnerable group are the ones prioritising taking steps to boost their wellbeing. 62% of 18-21-year-olds say that they actively take steps to look after their mental health and 37% of this age group already say that self-care involves spending time in nature.  

WWF’s Schools for Nature report [9], which was published in September also outlined the benefits of nature-based learning in schools on children’s mental health. The report reveals that school pupils show greater resilience, improved self-esteem, and increased self-efficacy when engaged with outdoor learning, and are more motivated, less stressed and more positive, leading to better education outcomes. 

Prescription for Nature offers a range of resources, events and activities that help young people and their families get their daily dose of nature and increase their connection to natural world. 

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “The relationship we build with nature and how we interact with it on a daily basis is an essential part of supporting and protecting our mental health. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.  Likewise, connecting with nature is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety. 

“Getting close to nature is one of our core tips to support good mental health and wellbeing and we are delighted to support WWF’s Prescription for Nature campaign. We hope that millions of people across the UK will take part.” 

ITV This Morning’s Dr Sara Kayat said: “The UK is experiencing a mental health crisis, and as a doctor it’s clear to me that we need to help everyone improve their wellbeing. Nature is a powerful ally in protecting our mental health. Being in nature for just 20 minutes a day can help us cope with stress and anxiety.  

“As both a doctor and a lover of nature this cause is close to my heart, and I want to encourage everyone to get their daily dose of nature – whether outdoors or at home – because everyone deserves better mental health.” 

It has been amazing to support WWF on this important campaign spotlighting the vital role which nature plays in supporting our wellbeing. I’m proud to be working with them to invite the nation to get their daily dose of nature.” 

Joe Wicks, fitness coach and presenter, said: “Spending time in nature works wonders for both children and adults’ mental health and physical wellbeing. I’m proud to be supporting WWF with this important campaign, not only raising awareness about the vital role nature plays in enhancing our own wellbeing, but also highlighting that if we look after nature, it will look after us too. Excited to see more and more people getting outdoors and getting their daily dose of nature.” 

Miles Richardson, Prof. Miles Richardson, lead of the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby: “Our bodies and minds are calmed by engaging with nature. Simply pausing for a moment to regularly notice the sounds, sights and textures of nature starts to help manage our moods and feel good.  

“Simple things, such as noticing the song of a robin or the fall of leaves can be powerful, because just as a bird needs the sky, a fish the river and apes the forest, people need nature too.” 

References

Learn more about Prescription for Nature and how to get your daily dose at wwf.org.uk/prescription-for-nature 

Download the Thriving with Nature guide by WWF and the Mental Health Foundation to help connect with nature throughout the year. 

[1] Mental health statistics: prevalence, services and funding in England – House of Commons Library (parliament.uk) 

[2] The Relationship Between Nature Connectedness and Eudaimonic Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis 

[3] Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3  

[4] Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: Systematic review and meta-analysis – ScienceDirect 

[5] More In Common x WWF research – August 2024 

[6] 2023 State of Nature report 

[7] Savanta State of the Youth Nation data 2023/2024  

[8] ‘Better than medication’: prescribing nature works, project shows | Environment | The Guardian 

[9] Schools for Nature report, published by WWF in September 2024