Oct 2024
A Prescription For Nature: The Evidence Base
In the UK, we are witnessing a mental health crisis. One in six people in England report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety or depression) in any given week.
There is a strong body of evidence that engaging with nature supports good mental health. Benefits of accessing and engaging with natural environments include reduced stress, reduced anxiety, psychological restoration, improved mood and life satisfaction, improved self esteem and confidence, and improved emotional regulation. Yet, Britons are not getting the full benefit of this opportunity.
As part of the Prescription for Nature campaign, this report presents the evidence in support of engaging with nature for good mental health, and offers some routes to better wellbeing via increased connection with nature.