research & evidentiary support
Nature has supported human healing for thousands of years. Modern science is now beginning to explain why.
What the research says
A growing body of international research suggests that time in nature can:
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• Reduce stress and anxiety and support healthy blood pressure
• Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
• Support aspects of immune function
• Support sleep and feelings of restoration
• Restore attention and mental clarity
• Support cognitive function and creative thinking
• Encourage connection and social wellbeing
• Support wellbeing for people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions
The 5 most surprising things
...Scientists Have Discovered About Nature and Health
1. Even a view of nature may influence recovery
Hospital patients whose rooms overlooked trees recovered faster after surgery than those looking at a brick wall.
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2. Even short periods in nature may reduce stress
Short periods in parks or natural environments can lower cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
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3. Forest environments may strengthen the immune system
Studies of “forest bathing” show increased natural killer cell activity.
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4. Nature can improve focus and creativity
Research shows improved memory and concentration after time spent in natural settings.
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5. Nature can make us kinder and more connected
Experiencing natural beauty can increase generosity, cooperation and social connection.
Research 30 seconds
Research from psychology, medicine, neuroscience and public health suggests that spending time in nature can calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, improve mood, support sleep and restore attention.
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Studies have found benefits from walking in green space, sitting quietly among trees, hearing natural sounds and even viewing nature through a window. Emerging research also suggests that nature-based activities may help people recovering from cancer or living with long-term illness by improving well-being, reducing fatigue and helping people reconnect with life beyond their condition.
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Nature is not a substitute for medical care — but it can form part of a wider approach to supporting health and wellbeing.
Selected research sources
Recent research and Reviews:
Ortega-Gómez, S. et al. (2025). Exploring the health benefits of outdoor exercise for cancer survivors: a systematic review of more than 700 individuals. Systematic Reviews.
This review examined 12 studies involving 712 cancer survivors participating in outdoor physical activity or exercise interventions.
Saeedy Robat, E. et al. (2026). A systematic overview and second-order meta-analysis of nature-based interventions for stress, anxiety and depression. Nature Human Behaviour.
This is a major new synthesis: 116 systematic reviews were included, representing thousands of primary studies. Nature-based interventions were associated with improvements in several psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, positive affect and relaxation.
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Nguyen, P-Y. et al. (2023). Effect of nature prescriptions on cardiometabolic and mental health, and physical activity: a systematic review. The Lancet Planetary Health.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining organised or professionally referred nature-based activities. It found evidence that nature prescriptions can support outcomes including physical activity and aspects of mental and cardiometabolic health.
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Coventry, P.A. et al. (2021). Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health: systematic review and meta-analysis. SSM – Population Health.
This review examined 50 studies of structured activities in green or blue spaces. Randomised trial evidence found improvements in depressive mood, anxiety, positive affect and negative affect. Gardening, green exercise and nature-based therapy featured prominently.
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Papadopoulou, S.K. et al. (2024). Grading the evidence for physical activity and any outcome in cancer survivors: an umbrella review of 740 meta-analytic associations.
This is a substantial umbrella review of physical activity in cancer survivorship. It found strong or highly suggestive evidence for a number of outcomes depending on cancer type, including cardiovascular fitness, fatigue, quality of life and aerobic capacity.
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Bower, J.E. et al. (2024). Management of Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Cancer: ASCO–Society for Integrative Oncology Guideline Update. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
This clinical guideline update reviewed 113 randomised controlled trials. Exercise is among the interventions recommended for reducing cancer-related fatigue both during and after treatment.
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Marziliano, A. et al. (2024). The Assessment of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Behavioural Medicine.
This review identified 69 studies addressing loneliness or social isolation among people with cancer.
Foundational Research
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Ulrich, R. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science.
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Li, Q. (2007, 2009). Forest bathing and human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.
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Bratman, G. et al. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and neural activity linked to depression. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Berman, M. et al. (2012). Interacting with nature improves cognition and mood in individuals with depression. Journal of Affective Disorders.
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MacKerron, G. & Mourato, S. (2013). Happiness is greater in natural environments. Global Environmental Change.
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Kardan, O. et al. (2015). Neighbourhood greenspace and health in urban populations. Scientific Reports.
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