Readers share why time outdoors in nature is vital to them
The Story
In response to a recent study showing almost half of UK adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings, readers shared heartfelt accounts of the importance of being outside. One reader, Hannah Powell, described nature as her “happy place” and “therapy,” saying it helped her recover from burnout. Another, David Lynch, stated that being outside lowers anxiety and makes him feel “more fully human.” Isabel Romaniw, who is training to become a forest bathing guide, linked disconnection from nature to worsening health crises. Many readers recalled childhood memories of exploring green spaces, building a sense of independence. An anonymous keyworker who swam during the pandemic reported sleeping better afterward. One reader, Yve, said that being outdoors and gardening enabled her to stop taking antidepressants and antipsychotic medication. The responses emphasized gratitude and the healing power of nature.
Key Facts
- A recent study found that almost half of UK adults spend less than three hours a week in natural settings such as gardens, parks, fields, or woods.
- Readers replied with heartfelt accounts of what being outside means to them.
- Hannah Powell from Perrywood garden centres described nature as her “happy place” and “therapy.”
- David Lynch said being outside lowers anxiety and makes him feel “more fully human” and younger.
- Isabel Romaniw, working toward becoming a forest bathing guide, said disconnection from nature is linked to “worsening physical, mental and spiritual health crises.”
- Mat Jordan recalled a childhood camping trip in the Peak District that was a “revelation.”
- Gabrielle Kirby remembered “aged three or four” stepping into wet grass and camping near Fort William.
- Clare Moss described exploring commons near Tunbridge Wells as building “a sense of independence and adventure.”
- An anonymous keyworker found peace and better sleep after swimming in Glen Faba in summer 2020.
- Yve said being outside enabled her to come off antidepressants and antipsychotic medication after a psychotic illness.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Hannah Powell – reader from Perrywood garden centres
- David Lynch – reader
- Isabel Romaniw – reader working toward becoming a forest bathing guide
- Mat Jordan – reader
- Gabrielle Kirby – reader
- Clare Moss – reader
- An anonymous keyworker – reader who swam during the pandemic
- Yve – reader
Sources: The Guardian
