Almost half of UK adults now spend less than three hours a week in nature, according to a recent study. Readers shared deeply personal stories about why being outdoors is essential.
"It's my happy place, my therapy," wrote Hannah Powell. "It helped me get better when I had burnout."
David Lynch echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Anxiety levels drop, all worldly concerns are put in perspective."
Isabel Romaniw, training as a forest bathing guide, argued our disconnection from nature is linked to worsening health crises. Many recalled childhood adventures building dams and dens, fostering independence.
One frontline worker from the pandemic recalled a swim in Glen Faba in 2020 that finally brought restful sleep. Yve, who recovered from psychosis, credited gardening and birdwatching with helping her get off medication. "Nature is a great healer," she said.