Woods and trees are good for all of us

They are good for our health, they improve our quality of life, and they are a vital part of a healthy, functioning landscape. Woods provide places for people to exercise, relax and get close to nature.

Substantial and growing evidence shows that access to woodland and other green space makes people feel better.

Getting out into natural spaces, especially when combined with moderate exercise, can have a beneficial effect on physical health, mental health and well-being, and can also help social cohesion.

Physical activity increases when we live close to green spaces

Physical inactivity is a major but preventable health risk, and affects about 60 per cent of the population.

Planting woodland does not guarantee people will use it, but planting woods along with promotion of physical activity – especially walking – close to where people live, is more likely to result in sustained activity.

Overall, physical activity levels increase where participants have convenient and close contact to green space.

Along with pushing for new woods to be planted near communities, the Woodland Trust maintains a database of accessible woodland in the UK and is launching a campaign to encourage more people to visit woods.

Mental health

Mental ill health affects one in six people and costs the NHS £12.5 billion and the economy £23.1 billion a year.

Studies show that exposure to nature aids recovery from daily stresses.

Children

For children, contact with nature has been shown to aid concentration and self-discipline, with studies indicating that early experience of nature is important, particularly before the age of 12.

The freedom of unstructured play in nature creates a source of independence and inner strength that can be drawn upon during stressful situations for the rest of their life.

Special qualities

All green spaces offer opportunities for health and well-being but woodland has special qualities.

Woods and trees can screen out noise and absorb large numbers of people without seeming overcrowded.

They often hold special meaning for people, and their complex structure offers more opportunities for imaginative play than more open green spaces.

Only 15.6 per cent of people in the UK currently have access to a wood of at least two hectares within easy walking distance (500m) of their homes. Read our Space for People report to find out more.

We believe the UK needs twice as much native woodland for wildlife, the well-being of our people and the environment.