9 health benefits of Walking in woodlands

 

A lot of us know about the health benefits of walking in general – but did you know about the extra added benefits of walking in woodland settings? Some of us find woodlands a nice environment to walk in, we intuitively feel the benefits – and this list might give some insight into why we enjoy being in woodland settings!

 

 

Woodlands boost our mood

 

Woodlands boost our mood by offering a natural environment that fosters emotional well-being and reduces stress. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and the presence of trees creates a calming atmosphere that can uplift our spirits. Being surrounded by greenery has been linked to increased serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and relaxation. Additionally, the act of walking through the woods, breathing deeply, and observing the natural beauty around us triggers a release of endorphins, which further enhances our mood. Studies suggest that time spent in woodlands can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, offering a peaceful space for reflection and emotional renewal. Research has found that as little as 15 minutes of walking in the forest can make a big difference in putting your body and mind at ease.

 

Woodlands reduce stress and are calming

 

Spending time in woodlands has been shown to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. The natural environment, with its gentle sounds, fresh air, and soothing colours, engages our senses in a way that encourages relaxation.

Exposure to natural environments reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax. Researchers examined heart rate, heart rate variability, and blood pressure and found that forest therapy activates the “relaxation response” branch of the nervous system. The soothing sights, sounds, and smells of the forest, including the fractal patterns in trees and the presence of phytoncides (natural compounds released by trees), contribute to this calming effect by reducing anxiety and improving mood. Additionally, the natural rhythm and peaceful atmosphere of woodlands promote mindfulness and mental clarity. Regular exposure to natural environments, like woodlands, can enhance focus, memory, and creativity by giving your brain a break from the constant stimuli of urban life which adds to its restorative effects, helping us to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and be more present.

Due to the benefits of being in woodlands, the Japanese have even coined the term ‘shinrin-yoku’ which means “forest-bathing” and studies in this field suggest that the natural setting of woodlands engages our senses in a restorative way, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

 

 

The extra oxygen in woodlands improves brain function

 

The air in woodlands is generally more oxygenated compared to urban areas, especially during the day. Trees and other green plants perform photosynthesis in daylight hours, a process where they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. As a result, woodlands tend to have higher levels of oxygen and lower levels of carbon dioxide. Higher oxygen levels can make breathing easier, reduce stress on the lungs, and help people with respiratory conditions like asthma. The increased oxygen intake can improve brain function, boost mood, and reduce stress levels.

 

 

Woodland air is cleaner

 

There are generally fewer pollutants in woodland air compared to urban environments because woodlands act as natural air filters, reducing pollution in the air we breathe. Trees and plants absorb various pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and ground-level ozone (O₃), through their leaves and bark. This helps to reduce the concentration of these harmful substances in the air. Trees also trap particulate matter (PM) like dust, pollen, and soot on their leaves and branches. This process prevents these particles from remaining airborne and being inhaled, leading to cleaner air going into our lungs.s

 

 

autumn tree-woodland walks best photo

 

Woodland walking increases physical fitness, balance and muscle strength

 

It’s generally understood by many that walking in general is good for our physical fitness, it increases our heart rate and improves our cardiovascular fitness. It engages multiple muscle groups, including those in the legs, core, and back. Regular walking increases heart rate, strengthens the heart, and improves circulation, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Walking also supports weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism. It’s a low-impact exercise that reduces the risk of injury while enhancing endurance, muscle tone, and flexibility. Additionally, walking can improve joint mobility, bone strength, and posture, making it an ideal form of exercise for people of all ages. Woodland walking specifically not only provides this aerobic exercise but also improves balance and muscle strength due to the sometimes uneven terrain, and the extra oxygen in woodlands helps us exercise harder and longer.

 

 

Woodlands boost our immune system, improves our microbiome & reduces inflammation

 

Woodland walks expose you to *phytoncides*, natural chemicals released by trees and plants, which have been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in our body. These cells play a crucial role in boosting the immune system and fighting infections.

Walking in woodlands also benefits our microbiome by exposing the body to diverse microorganisms found in soil, plants and trees which circulate in the forest air. This beneficial mix of natural chemicals, bacteria and fungi in the air are absorbed by us and help enhance the gut microbiome, which improves immune function and help with reducing inflammation. Woodland environments contain a wide variety of microbes that are less common in urban settings, which can positively influence gut health and overall well-being. Regular exposure to these microorganisms strengthens the body’s immune responses and contributes to a more balanced microbiome, supporting both physical and mental health.

 

 

Woodlands can increase anti-oxidant levels

 

A small number of studies have measured antioxidant levels in the blood after forest bathing and found that helpful antioxidants increased significantly. This effect is linked to the presence of phytoncides, which are natural chemicals emitted by trees and plants. When we breathe in forest air, these phytoncides can help stimulate the body’s production of certain antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, the reduction in stress that occurs during time spent in woodlands can help lower oxidative stress levels in the body. Chronic stress leads to higher levels of free radicals, which can damage cells, but the calming effects of the forest environment help to counterbalance this, further supporting antioxidant activity. Overall, woodlands contribute to a healthier internal environment, enhancing the body’s natural defense systems.

 

Repeating Fractal patterns at various scales are common in nature, especially trees & plants 

 

The fractal shapes of trees are soothing

 

Fractals are repeating patterns at various scales that naturally occur in trees, rivers, and other parts of nature. The patterns you see in tree branches are repeated from the trunk to the main branches to the finer ends and again in the leaves themselves! Looking at trees, especially their branching patterns, provides health benefits due to their fractal geometry. Fractals stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest state), inducing calm and enhancing well-being, making natural environments like forests particularly soothing to the mind. Studies show that viewing fractals can reduce stress, lower heart rates and promote relaxation. This is said to be because the brain is hard-wired through evolution to recognize and feel comforted by these familiar, self-similar natural patterns. If you think about it – humans have evolved for hundreds of thousands of years in natural and forested environments – and we are hard-wired to respond to these familiar evolutionally speaking environments. It’s only in the last 100 years or so we have shut ourselves increasingly up in artificial environments for the majority of our waking days!

 

 

Woodland sounds are relaxing

 

Woodland sounds, such as rustling leaves, birdsong, and flowing water, are relaxing because they are associated with calm and non-threatening environments. These natural sounds have predictable, gentle rhythms that help lower cortisol levels and reduce stress, promoting relaxation. The brain processes these sounds differently from urban noise, perceiving them as non-invasive, which leads to a calming effect. Additionally, these sounds encourage mindfulness and help shift focus away from anxiety and stress, allowing the mind to enter a restful state.

 

 

So there you are, some reasons why being in woodlands is good for us! What are you waiting for – plan a walk in the woods and do it as often as you can!

 

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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