Green is Good for Us!

”It feels like so many people are stressed at the moment,” Sue uttered, as we worked together in a newly established community garden. This is a sentiment I hear frequently.

As I write this, I am sitting in a cafe and overhear the lady next to me on the phone; “How am I? Stressed,” she said. April 1st marks the start of Stress Awareness Month, which feels like a good opportunity to highlight the mental health benefits of time spent in nature. Why? Because supporting good mental and physical health through nature connection are in the bones of what we do as a charity. Recognising that Earth-care and people-care are two sides of the same coin, so when we connect with nature, we connect to more of ourselves.

So what’s the problem? The Mental Health Foundation says:

‘Millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress, damaging our health. Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn't being taken as seriously as physical health concerns despite it being a significant factor in mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.'

The Benefits of Nature Connection

The benefits of nature connection for mental well-being are well documented. Research by the University of Loughborough says that just 15 minutes in nature can boost your mood, improve cognitive functions and enhance resilience (our ability to cope with everyday stresses). Despite this, the average person in the UK spends just 86 minutes outdoors per week!

A bit of sunshine and greenery always cheers these volunteers up! Food and coffee also help. Image taken at Newlands Run.

Experts on Board

On our Board of Directors, we have retired GP and long-term campaigner for physical and mental well-being, Ewan Hamnett, who has long understood the need for a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being. He told us:

“My observations as a GP were that many people have mental health issues. But like physical ailments, they are often self-limiting, and one can often learn from those experiences. However, that may need a receptive friend or relative to help with perspective. The problem we have now is that the pool of trusted people has diminished due to loss of nucleated families, pressure on time in which to have a proper conversation, and ‘friends’ becoming a distorted concept through social media.

The solution to the ‘mental health crisis’ is to firstly acknowledge that it coexists with isolation, inactivity and obesity. The answer is not more doctors and nurses but to recreate a society where people can be socially and physically active and restore the connections that keep us sane!”

Ewan’s final point about restoring connections really gets to the heart of what Fruit & Nut Village do: providing opportunities for people to get out and connect with one another and the green spaces on their doorsteps.

The Power of Green!

Did you know that just looking at the colour green boosts mental well-being? This phenomenon is called The Biophilia Hypothesis. It was proposed by Edward O. Wilson, and suggests that humans have an innate connection and affinity for nature and living things. It is thought that green, as a colour commonly found in natural settings, may trigger this biophilic response, leading to enhanced mental and emotional well-being and improved cognitive functioning.

Laura Hackett, Druids Heath Area Manager, teaching young volunteers at Daisy Farm Park Orchard.

What Do FNV Volunteers Say?

We asked some of our wonderful volunteers what benefits they've noticed from attending our sessions. Ed, who started volunteering with us recently, said:

“Fruit & Nut Village has helped me to challenge my physical and mental health issues. The prospect of getting out on my bike and cycling to the sites gives me a focus and drive. When on site, I am distracted from my anxiety and physical ailments. As time goes on, I feel that these health benefits will continue to help me recover. The social and learning side is stimulating, I feel like I have purpose.”

Another volunteer, acknowledging their initial feelings of reluctance about attending a session, simply said: “I’m glad I came today.”

If you've seen our socials and thought, I'd like to get involved... Now is a great time to start. Spring has arrived, and the sun is returning warmth and light to the sites around Birmingham. With all the stress and worries in the world at the moment, time in nature and community can be a powerful catharsis, providing solace and a soothing balm for the soul. To find out what we're doing, see our events page!