Health and well-being

Summary

Evidence is increasing which suggests that trees, woodlands and natural spaces play an important role in improving people’s health and well-being. Inactivity is a significant factor in many major illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

Active involvement of people in outdoor activities in forests has direct significance for health. Woodlands can contribute to health and well-being not only through exercise whether that is gentle, moderate or strenuous but also by providing locations where people can relax and socialise with friends and family.

In 2002 Forest Research organised seminars in England, Scotland and Wales to bring together health professionals and environmental and forestry professionals to discuss health and well-being in relation to the natural environment.

Projects include:

Active England
Chopwell Wood Health Pilot (near Gateshead)
Environmental volunteering
Forests, trees and human health and well-being (EU COST action E39)
New pathways for health and well-being
Woodland and Health Pilot Project (West Midlands)
Wye Wood: the wider wood

Research objectives

To raise debate and explore current activities that promote health and well-being in natural spaces
Run a seminar in England, Scotland and Wales to bring together forestry and environmental professionals and health professionals to discuss health and well-being in relation to woodlands and the natural environment

Funders and partners

Forestry Commission logo
The Forestry Commission (Forestry Group) funded the three seminars with a contribution from The Welsh Assembly Government for the seminar held in Cardiff.

Forestry Commission Policy

Woodlands can play a role in supporting the physical and emotional well-being of individuals and communities. A variety of projects are underway in England, Scotland and Wales to encourage people to use woodlands to improve their health and well-being.

Active Woods is the Forestry Commission's national campaign about the fantastic range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain’s woodlands.

Publications

Front cover Health and well-being: Trees, Woodlands and Natural Spaces
Summary of expert consultations on the connections between woodlands and the natural environment and public health and well-being ^{(PDF - 6483K)}

Front cover Trees and woodlands: Nature's health service
Information and evidence supporting the use and enjoyment of woodlands and green spaces to improve people’s overall health and well-being. ^{(PDF - 2825K)}
Executive summary

Front cover New pathways for health and well-being - research summary
Research to understand and overcome barriers to accessing woodlands. ^{(PDF - 262K)}

Front cover New pathways for health and well-being in Scotland
Research to understand and overcome barriers to accessing woodlands. ^{(PDF - 1876K)}

Front cover The importance of trees and woods for people's health and well-being
Outlines of publications and project reports ^{(PDF - 738K)}

Front cover Strengthening heart and mind”: using woodlands to improve mental and physical well-being
In the United Kingdom, a number of efforts to improve people’s health and well-being focus on the value of trees and woodlands.

Article from Unasylva -�Issue 224, Volume 57, 2006/2 - Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

O’Brien, E. and Snowdon, H. (2007). Health and well-being in woodlands: a case study of the Chopwell Wood Health Project. Arboricultural Journal 30: pp45-60.

O'Brien, E., Greenland, M. and Snowdon, H. (2006). Using woodlands and woodland grants to improve public health. Scottish Forestry, 60, 2: 18-24.