Woods for health

Regular contact with good quality greenspace is linked to:

• better health
• reduced levels of chronic stress
• reductions in obesity
• improved concentration

Greenspace and woodlands provide the ideal setting to promote health and physical activity. Many of these benefits come from increased outdoor activity, like walking and cycling. 

• Improved mood

• Reduced rates of anxiety and depression

• Increased self-esteem

• Improved happiness

• Better sleep

Scottish Forestry developed and supports the Branching Out programme. 

This is an outdoor therapeutic programme for adults who use mental health services in Scotland.

• Opportunities to improve stamina and physical mobility
• Lower risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and other deadly diseases

• improved perception of neighbourhood, increased social interaction and stronger communities
• a better sense of place and reduction in inequalities between the richest and poorest in society 

Forest Research have a programme focused on the wider societal wellbeing benefits of and relationships with trees and woodlands.