Take A Walk On The Calm Side

Last Saturday night I had the privilege of visiting Ludshott Common with the National Trust on a Nightjar Guided Walk. It was a reminder that in an increasingly busy and technology-driven world, many of us spend less time outdoors than previous generations. Yet a growing body of research suggests that regular contact with nature can play a significant role in supporting psychological wellbeing.

Spending time in nature has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, better concentration, and greater overall life satisfaction. Research into our mental health and green spaces such as parks, woodlands, gardens, and coastal environments consistently finds positive links between exposure to nature and mental wellbeing. Systematic reviews have shown that people who have greater access to green space often report better mental health and lower levels of psychological distress.

Two influential theories help explain why nature appears to be so beneficial. Psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan developed Attention Restoration Theory, which proposes that natural environments allow our minds to recover from the mental fatigue created by sustained concentration and information overload. Unlike the demands of work, traffic, and screens, nature gently captures our attention, allowing cognitive resources to replenish.

Another explanation comes from Stress Reduction Theory, developed by Roger Ulrich. This theory suggests that humans have evolved to respond positively to natural environments, which can reduce physiological markers of stress and promote feelings of calm and safety. Research indicates that time spent in nature may lower stress levels, improve mood, and support emotional regulation.

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, often translated as “forest bathing,” has attracted considerable research interest. Studies suggest that spending mindful time among trees can reduce anxiety and improve psychological wellbeing, offering a simple but powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life.

Well-known writers have long recognised nature's restorative qualities. Naturalist and philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote extensively about the value of immersing oneself in the natural world, while contemporary nature writer Richard Louv has highlighted the psychological costs of becoming disconnected from nature.

The encouraging message from the research is that nature does not have to involve remote wilderness or lengthy hikes. A walk in a local park, sitting beside a river, tending a garden, or simply noticing birdsong can provide meaningful psychological benefits.

I learnt that Nightjars are rare and elusive birds but almost as soon as we ventured onto the common at just after 9pm, I could hear their distinctive call (check out the Merlin app for birdsong identification). Spotting them catching moths was more challenging as they are quick, buoyant and silent. In fading light, their erratic, ghostly movements can make them seem to appear and disappear against the darkening sky. It was a mindful moment, connecting with the Nightjar and not thinking about the stresses in my life. Even the briefest encounters with the natural world can help us feel calmer, more connected, and better able to cope with everyday demands. So, take a walk on the calm side...