Why We Do It
People Need Wildlife and Wildlife Needs People
People need wildlife - On average, children spend less than one hour a day in nature - which is less than most prison inmates! There is an ever-growing body of scientific evidence that clearly shows how spending time outside in nature can improve our mental, physical and emotional health and well-being. In light of Covid-19, never before has the link between people and wildlife been so vital.
And wildlife needs people - The State of the Nature Report (2019) reveals the shocking facts that 41% of UK species studied have declined; 15% of species are threatened with extinction from Great Britain while 133 species assessed have already been lost from our shores since 1500 - so nature desperately needs our help!
What the experts say:
“Even as little as five minutes spent on physical activity in nature can improve both mood and self-esteem ”
“People derive a sense of meaning and emotional wellbeing from being connected to the natural world. ”
“Access to a green space can improve a child’s resilience”
“A walk in nature boosts creativity, problem-solving and feelings of wellbeing”
“Exposure to nature provides a buffering effect and is a stress reliever to highly stressed children. ”
“Nature is important to children’s development intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually”