Walking in nature is generally good for morale. Everyone has already experienced it, perhaps even more so during this period of confinement:the luckiest ones who have a garden to get some fresh air have certainly experienced it better than those who find themselves stuck between four walls... A British study has just provided scientific proof that being closer to nature has a beneficial impact on an individual's general health, both physical and mental.
This study, conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society , is based on data collected from a sample of approximately 8000 people, from 2009 to 2016. It reveals that people who spend time in their garden are healthier than others; these little corners of greenery could be a new potential avenue for improving the overall health of populations.
It has long been known that natural environments have a beneficial effect on the well-being and health of individuals. Indeed, several studies on the subject have already been carried out in the past, but they focused mainly on the use of public green spaces (parks or playgrounds for example). However, the United Kingdom has a high proportion of private and private gardens in urban areas. A team of British scientists has therefore looked into the specific effects of these domestic gardens on health.
To do this, they analyzed some data collected by the NGO Nature England, as part of the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey. . This broad survey aimed to identify the behavior of individuals vis-à-vis natural spaces (their use, the time spent in these spaces, etc.).
The sample studied by the University of Exeter team consisted of 7,814 people. Through the analysis of this data, they tried to establish links between the fact of owning a garden (and practicing certain activities there) and the overall health of individuals, as well as their appetite for walking in nature and to exercise.
People who had access to a private garden showed greater well-being than those who did not. Additionally, people with access to a private space, such as a balcony, yard, or patio, were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines. Finally, a winning combo for respondents who said they used their garden for both gardening and relaxation:they were healthier, felt good about themselves, and did more physical exercise. Regular use of a private garden also seems to reinforce the need for contact with nature:people who spent time in their garden were also the most likely to take a nature walk once a week.
These results indicate that home gardens are a real pillar for health and that their absence cannot be compensated by other natural environments; the beneficial effects are not necessarily the same. The authors of the study emphasize that it is therefore important to provide for this type of garden alongside other green spaces in urban policy and planning, to better support the preventive health program of the United Kingdom.
According to Siân de Bell, lead author of the study, a growing body of evidence points to the health and well-being benefits of access to green or coastal spaces. An earlier study published in Scientific Reports last year already revealed that spending at least 2 hours a week in nature was a factor of good health and well-being. Balcony, terrace, courtyard or garden, their presence is already beneficial in itself. But according to Bell, it's still the use of space that really drives the health and wellness benefits.
The practice of gardening is in particular a determining factor of good physical and mental health, certainly because of the muscular effort it requires and the even closer contact with the earth:"Gardens are a crucial means for people to 'access and experience the natural environment “, underlines Rebecca Lovell, co-author of the study. Today, the team considers it essential that this resource be accessible to everyone.
The current health situation has only highlighted what was already evident; people should stay at home as much as possible, maintaining physical activity essential for their physical and mental well-being. The proximity of a garden obviously makes things much easier:you feel less confined and you have more space to move around. “The benefits of spending time close to nature during this time, whether in our gardens or in local green spaces, cannot be underestimated says Marian Spain, Acting Chief Executive of Natural England.
Related:Spending time in nature in childhood is linked to better mental health in adulthood
Because not everyone is blessed with access to nature or green spaces, Natural England set up the #BetterWithNature campaign to inspire people to reconnect with nature, even during the pandemic; this includes taking a few minutes each day to simply observe nature. In the longer term, the movement aims to bring the benefits of nature to as many people as possible, through the creation of more green spaces near where people live and work.
