What is it about water?
If you've ever visited a WWT reserve, or even your local river or pond, you'll know there's something special about water. Which is why we are busy researching the impact our “blue” spaces have on our health and wellbeing.
We’re using our wetland centres to evaluate the effects spending time in wetlands has on individual and societal health. Our research at WWT Slimbridge has shown for the first time that nature-based interventions in a wetland environment can contribute significantly to the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Evidence tells us that spending time in and around ‘blue spaces’ has higher benefits than green spaces. These include improving how you are feeling, reducing both negative thoughts and levels of stress.
How to make the most of nature’s healing powers
If you know where and how to look, nature can give us comfort in so many ways. We’ve got lots of tips and ideas on how wetlands and their wildlife can help us regain a sense of peace and calm and provide us with a place to recuperate and escape life’s daily stresses.
Winter wetlands: A wellbeing guide
Make the most of what our wetlands have to offer you this winter with our guide, created in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation.
Download the free guideWhy not try...
Listening to birdsong
It's incredibly relaxing! Before the dawn chorus starts in is a great time to practice recognising birdsong.
Common bird call guide
Noticing nature
Did you know you can try out mindfulness in nature? Here are eight practical excercises to lift your mood.
Read more
Changing up your family walk
Raining outside? Don't skip the daily local walk. Wet, splashy, muddy weather can be more fun than you might realise.
Read moreWinter wetlands at home
Sadly, our sites are closed and you can’t travel to enjoy the uplifting winter spectacles we all look forward to this time of year. So we’ve created a playlist of iconic winter wetlands sights and sounds to soothe your spirits.
According to Natural England more people visit the natural environment for health or exercise every year than for any other reason.
Wetland stories
Whether it’s the crash of a wave, the lap of a tidal estuary of the gentle stillness of a shimmering lake, water has the power to inspire and calm us. Human beings have been connected to wetlands throughout the history of civilisation. But is our connection about more than survival? We think so…
Feel good by giving back
There are lots of ways you can take action today to help reverse the decline of wetlands.
However you decide to spend your time with us you’ll be helping wetland nature thrive.
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