Wetlands for Wellbeing: Piloting a Nature-Based Health Intervention for the Management of Anxiety and Depression

This study conducted a pilot nature-based health intervention (NBI) utilizing a wetland environment to assess its effectiveness in treating individuals diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression. Motivated by the growing global burden of mental illness and the need for low-cost, effective treatments, the research aimed to address a gap in evidence, particularly regarding NBIs in blue spaces like wetlands, compared to the more studied green spaces. A key objective was to not only identify the effects on mental health but also understand which specific characteristics of the wetland NBI design supported engagement and wellbeing.

The research employed a mixed methods design, involving a structured six-week intervention delivered at a wetland site. Participants were sixteen adults recruited through a community mental wellbeing service, selected based on criteria including a diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention questionnaires measuring mental health indicators such as wellbeing, anxiety, stress, and affect. Focus groups with participants and semi-structured interviews with mental health support workers were conducted afterwards to gather qualitative insights into their experiences and perceptions of the intervention’s impact and contributing factors. Important aspects considered in the design included providing transportation for participants and the role of staff engagement.

Maund, P.R., Irvine, K.N., Reeves, J. et al. (2019). Wetlands for wellbeing: Piloting a nature-based health intervention for the management of anxiety and depression. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(22), 4413