Research by The Mental Health Foundation emphasises how connecting with nature benefits our mental health:

‘Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.’

Spending time in nature is good for us for many reasons. “Fresh air and exercise” have long been recommended as a means to feel better, physically and mentally.

Evidence from the Mental Health Foundation demonstrates that the quality of our relationship with nature is part of the reason for its positive impact on our wellbeing. Researchers use the term “connectedness” to describe the ideal relationship.

Connectedness refers to the way we relate to nature and experience nature. A strong connection with nature means feeling a close relationship or an emotional attachment to our natural surroundings.  For instance, we might notice the beauty of nature by touching the bark of trees, watching winter bird migrations, or by listening to birdsong.

For me, this extract from ‘Winter Sounds’, a poem by Terry Astley, sums up a beautiful moment of being mindful in nature and shows how we can connect with nature through various means, whether that’s in the wild, or via a poem, book or tv programme.

‘The Bird.

A robin sings its warbling song, Perched in a snow-capped bush.

It sits with feathers all fluffed up

Against the cold and sings again.

Accompanied by the drip, drip, drip

Of melting ice that turns a trickling burn

Into a muddy, water-rushing race

To feed a rising river’s roar.

These are the sounds of winter days.’

Research also shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. Our nature reserves are prime spots to find peace and tranquillity - and to explore all the wellbeing benefits that nature offers.

Staying safe on our nature reserves in winter

Our nature reserves are special, wild places that are often off the beaten track and remote from human habitation. Some also present challenging terrain, particularly at certain points in the year. We try to ensure that risks to visitors are kept to a minimum, however there are hazards on our nature reserves that are not always obvious.  We have to balance visitor safety with conservation so it’s impossible to eliminate all hazards, and a such safety is a shared responsibility between the Trust and visitors to our nature reserves.

Winter with its snowy landscapes and frosty mornings can be a great time to visit and see wildlife in spectacular natural surroundings.  The winter and spring months can also bring rain and mud, making the surfaces very slippery. Please watch your step and dress accordingly with suitable footwear.  Most importantly our nature reserves are precious jewels to be cherished and respected whatever the season.

Please help us to protect these precious habitats and the wildlife they support by:

• Staying on paths and following instructions on signage for your own safety and the protection of wildlife.
• Keeping dogs on leads to avoid trampling and disturbing wildlife, such as wildflowers and ground-nesting birds.
• Never lighting fires or BBQs on our reserves to prevent wildfires and scorching.
• Taking all litter home with you to remove its threat to wildlife.

Thank you.

You can find out more about our nature reserves, including visiting details here.