Country parks and greenways

April is Stress Awareness Month, and Warwickshire County Council’s Country Parks service is taking the opportunity to highlight the incredible effect of nature on our wellbeing. 

Modern life and the development of technology has shifted our relationship with nature, and interactions with the outdoor environment have dwindled for many of us. In years gone by, connecting with nature would have been integral to our way of life and survival. A growing number of studies show that if we don’t nourish that bond despite our technological advancements, we may be affected in many ways, including the detriment of our mental and physical wellbeing. 

The bond between our brain and nature  

• A 2019 study demonstrated that a 60-minute walk in a natural environment led to lower activation of the brain structure that signals fear and threat (the amygdala) in comparison to an urban environment, while a systematic review in the same year also highlighted the link between spending time in nature and brain activity associated with ‘comfortable and subjectively restorative’ feelings. 

• A 2021 study by the University of York also showed how experiencing nature enhances working memory, restores focused attention, relieves fear and stress, and produces beneficial reductions in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. 

Research suggests spending as little as twenty minutes in natural spaces has been associated with reducing the stress hormone cortisol. While many elements of modern life can be overstimulating and overwhelming, natural environments present spaces which gently capture your attention instead of suddenly snatching it, calming your nerves instead of frazzling them. Many people report feeling a sense of relaxation and joy by being in nature. 

As well as reducing stress levels, there are a range of mental health benefits associated with interactions with nature such as improved mood, confidence, and self-esteem.  

 A choice of soothing natural environments at Warwickshire’s country parks 

We have a total of ten country parks, greenways and nature reserves spread across Warwickshire, and each provides something unique to those looking to benefit from the restorative effects of nature. With 33 lakes and pools, Kingsbury Water Park is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy the calming effect of spending time near water, while Burton Dassett Hills offers rolling landscapes and spectacular views on clear days. It’s bluebell season in the ancient woodland of Hartshill Hayes Country Park, and Ryton Pools Country Park is home to an incredible variety of rare and unusual species. 

Discover the magic that can be found at each of our sites on our website, and plan a visit to find out first-hand how nature affects your wellbeing this Stress Awareness Month.