Benefits of ‘green care’

A new study published by Natural England shows that taking part in Nature-based activities helps people who are suffering from mental ill-health and can contribute to a reduction in levels of anxiety, stress and depression.

1 in 4 affected

Mental ill-health is on the rise and in England it is estimated that in any one year at least 1 in 4 people will experience a ‘significant’ mental health problem.

The new report, from the University of Essex and Mind, the UK’s leading mental health charity, suggests that green care interventions can provide an increasingly important and cost-effective way of supporting mental health services.

‘This report highlights how nature makes a real difference to the quality of people’s daily lives. It shows what we can do to improve people’s wellbeing, working through new partnerships and offering new services.

‘There is now compelling evidence to show that contact with nature and the outdoors improves physical health and mental wellbeing. Natural England is committed to find ways to help more people access the benefits that come through practical experiences in the outdoors.’

Alan Law, Natural England’s Chief Strategy and Reform Officer

The benefits

The report, A review of nature-based interventions for mental health care, focuses on the three main green care interventions that are currently helping people in England with mental ill-health: care farming, environmental conservation and social and therapeutic horticulture.

The report presents evidence that the projects in each of these areas are already making a difference to people’s lives and bringing a range of positive benefits for those with existing mental ill health.

These include a reduction in depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and an improvement in dementia-related symptoms.

The report also shows that people involved in these green care activities have a greatly increased level of social contact and inclusion, as well as a sense of belonging and personal achievement.