Wellbeing from woodland: A critical exploration of links between trees and human health

Abstract

At a time of so much discussion about the potential benefits for health and wellbeing of being in nature, this is an important book for anyone thinking of commissioning a nature and wellbeing programme, as well as practitioners who are designing or running such woodland projects for health and wellbeing. Nicola Ramsden, Health and Wellbeing Officer, The Forest of Avon Trust In this extremely well researched book Goodenough and Waite provide a much needed evidence base as well as descriptions of best practice and project evaluation that can allow commissioners and service users to understand woodland based activities and to have full confidence that they will be receiving an effective health and wellbeing service from woodland practitioners within the setting of the woods. Roger Duncan, CAMHS systemic Psychotherapist and author of Nature in Mind This book provides a framework for understanding the components of woodland wellbeing. Based around the collaborative project, Good from Woods, the book spotlights multiple case studies to explore how wellbeing and health are promoted in woodland settings and through woodland inspired activity. It illustrates forms of wellbeing through real examples of woodland practice and draws out implications for the design of programmes to support health and wellbeing across different client groups. Chapters discuss health and wellbeing from a variety of perspectives such as psychological, physical, social, emotional and biophilic wellbeing. The book will be of great practical use to commissioners, providers and users of woodland based activity who want to take a deeper look into how trees, woods and forests support human health and happiness, as well as of interest to academics and students engaged in research in outdoor activities, urban forestry and natural health and wellbeing. Alice Goodenough is a Research Fellow at Plymouth Institute of Education, UK. She was Project Researcher for the Good from Woods project, and has worked with a wide range of organisations to research impacts and outcomes of aspects of their work in natural environments. Sue Waite holds honorary positions at the University of Plymouth, UK and Jonköping University in Sweden. Passionate about the benefits of spending time in nature, she has published widely in this field and conducted research projects about health and wellbeing in natural environments.