Understanding the Role of Nature Engagement in Supporting Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19

Abstract

The importance of natural environments in supporting health and wellbeing has been well evidenced in supporting positive mental and physical health outcomes, including during periods of crisis and stress. Given the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been greatest for those who are most vulnerable, understanding the role of natural environment and alternative forms of nature engagement in supporting health and wellbeing for vulnerable groups is important. This study explored how nature engagement supported health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition during the first UK lockdown. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults with a pre-existing health condition and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four themes were identified: COVID-19 versus nature; Nature as an extension and replacement; Nature connectedness; and Therapeutic nature. The findings show the importance of nature in supporting health and wellbeing in those with a pre-existing health condition through engagement with private and public natural environments, micro-restorative opportunities, nature connection as an important pathway, and the therapeutic benefits of nature engagement. The present research extends the evidence-base beyond patterns of nature engagement to a deeper understanding of how those with existing health conditions perceived and interacted with nature in relation to their health and wellbeing during the first UK lockdown. Findings are discussed in relation to health supporting environments, micro-restorative opportunities, and policy implications.

Nature and well‐being: The association of nature engagement and well‐being during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic

“…gardening, birdwatching, watching nature through a window, walking or hiking, photographing nature and visiting a park or natural area) was associated with better well‐being is consistent with recent studies demonstrating the restorative effect of nature (Soga et al, 2021; Tomasso et al, 2021). Given a large part of our audience reported birdwatching almost daily, our findings also align with research suggesting that bird diversity and exposure to bird sounds may be beneficial to human health and functioning (Darcy et al, 2022; Hedblom et al, 2017; Ratcliffe et al, 2013); that perceived and actual bird diversity are positively associated with psychological well‐being (Dallimer et al, 2012); that gardening is beneficial to mental health and well‐being (Soga et al, 2017) and that window views of nature are associated with mental health benefits (Bratman et al, 2012; Gilchrist et al, 2015). Nearby nature also had what Darcy et al (2022) describe as ‘micro‐restorative’ benefits, especially for vulnerable populations (e.g.…”

“…gardening, birdwatching, watching nature through a window, walking or hiking, photographing nature and visiting a park or natural area) was associated with better well-being is consistent with recent studies demonstrating the restorative effect of nature (Soga et al, 2021;Tomasso et al, 2021). Given a large part of our audience reported birdwatching almost daily, our findings also align with research suggesting that bird diversity and exposure to bird sounds may be beneficial to human health and functioning (Darcy et al, 2022;Hedblom et al, 2017;Ratcliffe et al, 2013); that perceived and actual bird diversity are positively associated with psychological well-being (Dallimer et al, 2012); that gardening is beneficial to mental health and wellbeing (Soga et al, 2017) and that window views of nature are associated with mental health benefits (Bratman et al, 2012; Gilchrist Our non-significant finding with respect to nearby nature and loneliness is contradictory to the findings of Soga et al (2021) in Japan and contrary to our hypotheses. It may be that the nearby nature activities included in the current study did not represent a significant variation in social routine-that is those who lived alone did these activities alone and those who lived with others included occupants of one's residence-and therefore, engaging with nearby nature was not associated (positively or negatively) with loneliness during the pandemic.…”

“…This study adds to the body of literature that different types of nature engagement may be differentially associated with well‐being. Specifically, it underscores the relevance of nearby nature for human well‐being during times of challenge, adding to the body of research on nature as a source of stress reduction (Beil & Hanes, 2013; Ulrich et al, 1991; Van Den Berg & Custers, 2011) and on its restorative or micro‐restorative benefits (Darcy et al, 2022; Soga et al, 2021; Wells, 2021). The health benefits of even small doses of nature such as birdwatching, gardening, day hiking or even watching nature out the window may positively contribute to well‐being and should be promoted by nature‐based organizations.…”

Webcam travel: A preliminary examination of psychological well-being

“…Webcam travel also allows viewers to be transported away from lockdowns and/or immobilities by presenting nature in its real, live, esthetic, unedited scenery. It has been noted that people are more optimistic, hopeful and nostalgic when connected to nature (Darcy et al, 2022).…”

Exploring the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on people's relationships with gardens

“…At the time of writing, a number of survey-based studies provide helpful insights into how people's perceptions of and interactions with green spaces have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic ( Jellard and Bell, 2021 ). However, there are only a few relevant qualitative social science research that can be compared with this study ( Darcy et al, 2022 ; Giebel et al, 2022 ; Marsh et al, 2021 ).…”