Building the Evidence Base

Encouraging regular outdoor activity and contact with nature can bring about a range of physical, mental and social health benefits.

Physical activity through 'Green exercise' Being active outdoors, through informal recreation, leisure activities, pastimes, play, volunteering and learning in the outdoors, can play an important role in improving people's physical and mental health.

Natural contribution to effective recovery The natural heritage can have important 'restorative qualities' and thus promote recovery from physical and mental stresses. Experience of the natural heritage, and involvement in its care, can improve the mental health and well-being of individuals by helping recharge their physical, mental and social capacities.

The outdoors as preventative medicine Contact with nature can help protect us from future stresses and aid mental concentration. Just being outdoors during the day can bring benefits in terms of mental and physical health, and can help people guard against illness.

Wider social health and well-being benefits The natural heritage is associated with wider social health and well-being benefits experience of the natural heritage and involvement in its care can lead to stronger more inclusive and sustainable communities.

Young people and sustained benefits There is potential to encourage healthier lifestyles by stimulating positive interest in the natural world and encouraging outdoor activity at a young age.

We have collated and summarised the evidence in a review paper   which shows links between public health and the natural heritage. While the evidence base for action now exists, some of these links and their implications for policy design and delivery need further development -  see the related links for recent projects and research.