RESEARCH

Increased Wellbeing following Engagement in a Group Nature-Based Programme: The Green Gym Programme Delivered by the Conservation Volunteers

Emotional intelligence scores increased significantly from 106.12 to 115.44 (p < .001), and resilience scores rose from 95.19 to 126.02 (p < .001) after just three months of exposure to biowalls.Children’s eco-friendly attitudes also improved, with nature-friendly scores increasing from 34.60 to 36.72 (p = .015), showing that even small daily contact with nature indoors can strengthen both emotional development and environmental awareness.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Stress Management, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Environmental Education, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Observational Research, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools, Program Effectiveness, Longitudinal Studies

Access: Free

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Summary

This study explored whether participating in a group gardening and conservation program called Green Gym could help improve people’s mental wellbeing. Nearly 900 adults across the UK took part in the program, which involved regular outdoor activities like planting trees, managing wildflower areas, and improving walking paths. Participants filled out surveys before joining and again around 4.5 months later to measure changes in mood and mental health. Some participants were referred by healthcare providers, while others joined on their own, and the study included people from all backgrounds, including those with health conditions or from more deprived areas.

The results showed that participants experienced noticeable improvements in mental wellbeing after taking part in Green Gym, especially those who started with lower levels of wellbeing. These improvements lasted over time, with positive effects still seen 8.5 and even 13 months after the program began. The group-based nature of the program also helped people build social connections, stay physically active, and gain confidence—all important for overall health. This study adds strong evidence that nature-based programs like Green Gym can be valuable tools for improving mental health in communities.

Link

Smyth, N., Thorn, L., Wood, C., Hall, D., & Lister, C. (2022). Increased wellbeing following engagement in a group nature-based programme: The Green Gym Programme delivered by the conservation volunteers. Healthcare (Basel), 10(6), 978

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