Social creatures, naturally.

As a human race, we are never more perfectly described than with the title ‘social creatures’. We naturally cooperate, care, and compete. Relationships underpin our happiness. The mutual experiences we have with others often mark the defining moments of our lives… Yet we know increasing urbanisation and closure of community spaces is causing more people than ever before to report feelings of isolation and loneliness. In the same way, when it comes to the natural world – and our relationship with it – many people experience a disconnect. But nature holds the key to so many of our collective and individual needs as a race that evolved making sense of the natural world around us.

For the past two decades, researchers have attempted to under-stand the causal routes behind the – often astounding – effects of access to green space… As you might imagine, people who spend more time in green spaces are likely to have less exposure to air pollution – an immediate health benefit. But we now also understand that wellbeing and mental health can have profound effects on general health… While some people may go to a park to escape their daily routine and get fresh air, others use nature to challenge themselves and get fit, and many gain comfort from interacting with or just observing nature and wildlife.