Nature for wellbeing

Mindfulness session at Ramsey Forest

Graham Makepeace-Warne

Nature for wellbeing

Nature makes us happier

There is increasing scientific research indicating an important link between time spent in nature and overall wellbeing. This research also suggests that children are spending significantly less time outdoors than generations have done in the past.

Our work to encourage more wild lives 

Specific concerns on the Isle of Man are twofold. First, is the limited amount of outdoor time and nature-based activities in school curricula. Secondly, the current state of the Isle of Man countryside makes it difficult for the general population to enjoy these spaces. The Isle of Man abounds in natural sites, however many are small and isolated, lacking adequate interpretation and do not provide access for persons with restricted mobility. The Isle of Man could also benefit from sites created specifically for family activities and environmental education. 

Engaging people of all ages with nature

Our Biodiversity Education Officer educates and inspires thousands of school-age children working with teachers to provide informative, interactive indoor and outdoor events organised for school classes, Scouts and Guide packs, church groups and more. Interested? Get in touch

Our Wildlife Watch club for children and teens encourages awareness of nature and positive feelings for the world we live in, increasing understanding of our environment and fostering a caring attitude towards wildlife and conservation.

Rook pooling

(c) Ann Marie Kilgallon

Creating more wild spaces

Nine of our  nature reserves are open to the public and are equipped with interpretation material to encourage people to explore on their own. 

Our new project, Ramsey Eco-Active, is a 60 acre wooded playground designed to engage the whole family with nature based obstacles, trails and activities. We are also campaigning to create a countryside gateway site in Douglas, which will provide access to all, irrespective of income, age or knowledge of the countryside.

corncrake

Fergus Gill/2020VISION

Studies indicate that spending as little as 15 minutes per day outdoors in nature increases confidence, decreases obesity, improves relationships, increases creativity, lowers recovery times of trauma and surgery, prevents mental health problems and aids recovery from mental health problems, increases happiness and the list goes on. 

 

Sometimes it can be hard to get outside so find a comfy chair, sit back, relax and enjoy some #ManxNature accompanied by a short mindfulness session with Mike Kewley, Isle of Man based Mindfulness Teacher.

Short mindfulness practice video with Mike Kewley

A mindfulness walk at Smeale Beach with Mike Kewley and Adam Dennard

Sailing for the Disabled wellbeing session with Praxis and MWT's Adam Dennard

Ten ways to reconnect with nature

1. Listen

You’ll be amazed how many birds you can hear if you take a moment to really listen to nature. Even when you’re inside you can close your eyes and immerse yourself in birdsong, rippling water or the wind breathing movement into trees. Spotify has a wealth of nature sounds to enjoy.

2. Tune in to chill out

Find yourself a quiet place, close your eyes, focus on your breath and relax. Visualise a happy memory when you were surrounded by nature. Notice the sounds, the gentle breeze on your skin, the sensation of the sun, your footsteps on the ground. You can find many online mindfulness tools on YouTube.

3. Be curious

When outside, focus on nature's gifts, such as sticks, leaves, nuts, seeds, flower petals, grasses and feathers. Get curious, pick things up, reach out and touch. You could collect anything not rooted (please don’t pick wildflowers).

4. Capture the moment

Use your camera or phone to capture the exquisite detail of nature, from a pavement weed to an individual leaf.

5. Bring nature indoors

Bring nature into your living room through the eyes of great nature broadcasters on TV. Keep pot plants in your home and hang images of nature on your walls - studies show this can improve health and wellbeing.

6. Natural scents

Smell flowers, the scent of damp leaves or other natural aromas . Grow herbs, or just inhale that scent of new-mown grass.

7. Touch the earth

If you have a garden, stand, sit or lie in it. Go barefoot if you like. Or find a quiet spot outside. Bring your awareness to the parts of your body that are in contact with the ground.

8. Natural exercise

Take a lunchtime walk in your local green space or exercise outdoors - even in winter. Create your own outdoor gym with logs for steps and weights, secure garden benches for jumps, and trees for working out the triceps. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing.

9. Relax in nature

Simply sit outside or relax with outdoor yoga - YouTube has thousands of videos you can use at home or in your garden.

10. Grow your own

Grow flowers, fruit and vegetables in your garden. This relaxing pastime is also great exercise and will provide free food for your table.

Cooildarry

Andree Dubbeldam

Visit a nature reserve