Nature Connection Project Boosts Men’s Mental Health on Teesside - Trust Treks Report

Trust Treks participants in the North York Moors National Park. © North York Moors Trust (2024)

A new report published today, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, highlights the positive impact nature has had on the mental health of male participants on Teesside.

The report outlines key findings, feedback, reflections and recommendations from the North York Moors Trust’s pilot project, Trust Treks.

The report specifically identified companionship, unlocking senses and technology as key reasons this approach supported the mental health of male participants and recommended nature activities focused on connections with each other within nature, harnessing the power of technology to enhance connection and better integration of nature into health and education systems.  

Although not part of a formal green social prescribing scheme, the Trust believes the approach could be scaled up to meet local need, both in terms of the demand for more “prescription ready” activities to be available for social prescribers and existing health challenges.

There is already a wealth of research and data highlighting the incredible benefits of nature on human health and life outcomes. Rather than add to this growing body of research, the Trust aimed to demonstrate how applying the principles of nature connection works in a real-world context. This initiative focused on an area facing acute health challenges, particularly targeting men, who continue to be disproportionately less likely to seek traditional forms of help, experience higher rates of untreated conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance misuse, and die by suicide.

The Trust found that while some men were initially sceptical or hesitant about this approach, when offered a sustained, meaningful, and guided connection with nature, the activities became normalised and integrated into their daily lives, leading to reported improvements in health.

Trust Treks was funded by the Tees Foundation, You’ve Got This, and Everyone Active to remove barriers to accessing natural spaces, provide guided wellness walks and create opportunities to connect with nature aimed at improving physical and mental health of male participants from Teesside.

Walks took place across six months in both the North York Moors National Park and urban green spaces on Teesside.

The project specifically targeted men attending mental health peer support groups, including participants from Andy’s Man Club on Teesside, in response to poor male mental health outcomes and high male suicide rates in the region.

Participants aged 21 to 72 from Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees explored scenic locations such as Guisborough Forest and Kildale, while also engaging in sensory nature activities, such as, which are proven to improve mental health and wellbeing. The project’s aim was to create sustained and meaningful connections with nature, improve physical and mental health and empower participants to integrate outdoor activity into their daily lives.

Reflecting on the project, James Metcalfe, Executive Director of the North York Moors Trust, said:

“Trust Treks shows the power of nature to tackle systemic health challenges, from isolation to poorer mental health outcomes. By providing safe, sustainable and meaningful connections with nature, we have seen participants grow in confidence, form bonds with others and nature, and most importantly, experience positive improvements in overall health.”

He added, “What we have found aligns with the research: nature can play a key role in reversing worse health and life outcomes, and can help prevent them in the future. However, the benefits and activities need greater exposure, funding, and alignment with public services.”

“The North York Moors Trust is proud to be connecting people with nature in the National Park and on Teesside to lift the health of people and nature. We look forward to furthering this mission and driving progress in this important area.”

Looking ahead, the North York Moors Trust aims to continue its commitment to improve the health and life outcomes and promote equitable access to nature, working to reduce barriers and empower communities to connect with nature. The Trust has ambitions to scale up the targeted approach.

• Findings

  Stronger Connection with Nature:

  Participants felt a deeper connection to nature after the walks, with all indicating they would visit the North York Moors again for recreation and wellbeing. Participants reported the enjoyment and satisfaction gained from spending time in green and blue spaces.

  Improved Health and Wellbeing:

  Time spent in nature positively impacted both physical and mental health, with participants noting enhanced wellbeing, reduced isolation and overall improve health which aligns with the wealth of research on the benefits of nature connection. One participant said they would begin to taper antidepressant medication with GP support, incorporating nature into their support plan.

  Increased Physical Activity:

  Participants became more active, both physically and socially, in the weeks following the walks. Many returned to the walk locations with family.

  Continued Nature Engagement:

  Participants continued using nature apps introduced during the walks, noticing nature more in daily life, revisiting walk locations, and sharing their experiences with others, spreading the project’s impact.

  Nature as a Facilitator:

  Nature helped facilitate stronger connections between participants and broke down societal barriers enabling more meaningful connections and conversations.

  Engaging the Senses Benefits Health:

  Participants initially felt awkward engaging their senses in nature, but over time became more comfortable. By the end of the programme, they were naturally using their senses to connect with nature in everyday settings, highlighting how instinctive positive responses to nature are and the importance of introducing these activities and

  Consistency and Accessibility:

  Consistency in the programme’s structure, particularly weekend activities, made it more accessible, allowing a wider audience to participate and balance commitments.

• Recommendations

  Connecting together in nature is as important as connecting with nature:

  Nature helps facilitate better connections between individuals, particularly for men, who often engage in more open and meaningful conversations while walking side-by-side. Integrating nature activities into men’s mental health programs can foster community, reduce isolation, and improve overall health. Programmes should focus on shared experiences that encourage bonding.

  Technology can enhance nature connection and encourage physical activity:

  Technology should be utilised to make nature more accessible and to enhance experiences. Digital tools sustain ongoing and independent nature exploration and education, neutralise barriers, and help bridge knowledge gaps. Further research should explore how technology can be effectively integrated into nature-based activities for improved mental and physical health outcomes.

  Nature should be more prevalent in health and education services:

  Nature is an underutilised but proven to boost health and education, playing a key role in development, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Nature should be better integrated within these systems, along with sustainable funding to support organisations that deliver these essential services.

  People need better support to build confidence in nature to unlock the benefits:

  To ensure participants feel comfortable and confident in nature, nature connection activities should be practitioner-led where it is feasible. Practitioners enhance the experience by making it safer, more enjoyable and memorable, while also addressing social isolation. Their presence creates a sense of companionship, enabling participants to fully interact with nature.

  One single point of contact for signposting activities and prescriptions:

  To maximise the benefits of nature-based activities, particularly through social prescribing, a more formal, localised structured system connecting activities with individuals, services and organisations is needed. A local single point of contact would ensure better coordination and widen access for all.

• Feedback

  Participant:

  ‘The whole experience was positive. I felt a bit out of my comfort zone making the effort to get there as I hadn't slept well but it was definitely worth it. Listening to the silences and the birdsong in tree glades was beautiful.’

  Participant:

  ‘A smaller group allowed for deeper conversation where a genuine interest was taken in what people had done recently and any personal interests they may have. I found the location particularly enjoyable due to the variety of natural interest.’

  Participant:

  ‘I learned that being outside with other people, looking at and listening to wildlife and viewing nature, can be calming, uplifting and rewarding. And good conversation and humour can enhance that experience.’

For more information on the Trust Treks Project or how you can support the project or future initiatives, visit northyorkmoorstrust.uk or contact the Trust at enquiries@northyorkmoorstrust.uk or j.metcalfe@northyorkmoorstrust.uk.