Scientists Look to Unlock, the Secret of Why Forests , Make People Feel Better.
'The Guardian' reports that volunteers are being asked to record their feelings before and after walks in the forest on a free app, Go Jauntly.
The app is part of a nationwide research
project in the U.K. to investigate how to
better design the forests of tomorrow.
The purpose of the app is to determine
what kind of treescapes best contribute
to our wellbeing and mental health.
With the government’s ambitious
tree-planting targets, there’s going
to be hundreds of new forests
around the country, Miles Richardson, Professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, via 'The Guardian'.
The whole project is about
creating design tools so
we can create the best
treescape for 50 years’ time, Miles Richardson, Professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, via 'The Guardian'.
'The Guardian' reports that multiple peer-reviewed studies
have identified the benefits of time spent among trees, which
include improved cardiovascular and immune system health.
Those studies also found a link with decreased levels of anxiety, anger, confusion and fear.
Previous studies have also highlighted
how different types of forest
affect people in different ways.
A study of brain activity in response to forest density
found a lower density of trees was linked to a more
relaxed state and reduced tension and fatigue.
The excitement is finding out what these solutions are and getting people involved in designing and developing and running them, Miles Richardson, Professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, via 'The Guardian'