Nature visits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway: Facilitators, motives, and associations with sociodemographic characteristics

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased mental health issues and reduced well-being. Researchers also reports increased frequency of nature visits during the pandemic, proposing it may mitigate some of these negative consequences. Using the case of Norway, a country with ample access to nature and relatively low levels of pandemic-related restrictions, this study sought to (i) understand how the COVID-19 crisis impacted patterns of nature visits and specific nature-based activities, (ii) examine how these patterns varied among different population groups and levels of restrictions, and (iii) explore the motives and facilitators for increased frequency of nature visits.MethodsThe data were retrieved from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2021, which was designed to assess participants (n = 1,005, age > 15 years) habits in relation to nature visits and outdoor recreation since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, and associated factors.ResultsThe results showed that 32 % of participants increased their frequency of nature visits during the crisis, while 11 % experienced a decrease. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant positive associations between increased frequency of nature visits and longer duration of lockdown restrictions (OR [95% CI] = 2.35 [1.28–4.29] and 4.92 [2.77–8.74] for a few weeks and several months of lockdown, respectively). Increased frequency of nature visits was also more likely among women, younger respondents, and individuals from high-income households. A Cochran's Q test showed that the most common motive for increased frequency of nature visits was “To be physically active” (74%). The most commonly reported facilitators were the possibility of using natural environments as an alternative to gyms and organized sports alongside having more time available (58 and 49%, respectively).ConclusionThese findings suggest that nature visits provided important opportunities for physical activity during the COVID-19 crisis, but also that the mental health benefits of nature visits during such times may be under-communicated. This highlights the importance of access to natural environments to promote physical activity and health, but also suggests that campaigns that specifically communicate the beneficial effects of nature visits during lockdowns or similar stressful situations might help people cope with the situation.

Unveiling the Essential Role of Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

“…In subsequent studies conducted after the second coronavirus wave in Italy (May-June 2021), a 7.7% increase was observed in the frequency of use of UGS sites close to home, and a 16.5% decrease was observed in the percentage of those who reported visiting a UGS once a week [71]. A survey on the adult population in Norway conducted by Litleskare and Calogiuri et al [28] found that 32% of respondents decide to relax in green spaces more often and 12% less often. Among respondents, women, younger people, and people from higher-income households increased their activity.…”

“…Thus, the volume of visitation in UGS and forest areas was controlled by national or regional regulations. Litleskare and Calogiuri [28], regarding the reasons for the increase in the number of visits, mentioned the effects of constraints, such as the following: seeking an alternative way of spending time in relation to the gym and sporting events, more free time, more "flexible days", more free time with family and friends, remote work and learning. Regarding the motives, they mentioned the desire to play sports and stay physically active, to meet family and friends, to reduce stress and dispel worries, to deal with the pandemic reality, as well as the need to find peace and quiet.…”

“…In addition, decisions about using green areas were influenced by sociodemographic factors such as income, gender, race, and education [45,74]. However, these variables also varied by country of study [28]. From the perspective of the managers of green spaces and forest areas, it is important that society rediscovered the possibility of contact with nature.…”

“…A confirmation of the significant role of contact with nature is found in the studies on the factors that motivated people to visit green spaces and forests during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the following: the need to find rest [57,75,85], stress relief [28,86], seeking fresh air and willingness to get some fresh air [68], and health benefits [87,88]. Weinbrenner et al [23] noted that visitors to forest areas did so consciously or unconsciously primarily for health reasons.…”

“…Studies conducted in various countries referred to the recreational use of green spaces, including the aspect of human mobility, frequency and duration of visits, and choice of recreational sites [25,26]. Researchers also focused on studies that described the effects of green spaces on people's health and well-being during times of public health crises [27,28]. Another group consisted of studies on the spatial policies of cities and regions with respect to the availability of green spaces for recreation [29,30].…”