Nature's Healing Power - LettsSafari Launches 'Wild Wellbeing'

LettsSafari launches 'Wild Wellbeing' to bring nature's power of healing closer to you.

Spending time in nature is increasingly recognised as vital for mental and physical wellbeing. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact that natural environments can have on reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall health. As urbanisation rises and more people spend the majority of their time indoors, the need to reconnect with nature has become more crucial. To support this, we are launching a new programme called 'Wild Wellbeing'.

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LettsSafari's 'Wild Wellbeing' is a commitment that we are making to try to ensure that we not only bring you updates from our parks, showing our progress in building rewilding parks with you, we will also try to bring the power of natural healing to you online with research and virtual experiences. On top of this, from today, we invite paid subscribers to spend 2 hours roaming freely in our rewilding parks - IRL! Dates and locations will be revealed to paid subscribers as they are released.

We will be offering 2 dates this Autumn and 6 next year. Go to the bottom of the page to get your FREE invite for our first ‘Wild Wellbeing’ day at Exeter’s Dawlish Park tomorrow, and then on Saturday 12 October.

Today our parks are in southwest England, but our goal, with your help, is to build LettsSafari parks in every region of the UK. And then even beyond.

Morning light in Dawlish Park

A study published in Scientific Reports revealed that spending at least 120 minutes per week in natural environments significantly enhances overall health and well-being. People who achieved this threshold were much more likely to report feeling physically and mentally well than those who spent little or no time outdoors. The research suggests that it doesn’t matter how the 120 minutes are accumulated - whether in long walks or short trips to green spaces - the benefits remain substantial​.

Nature reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation. In fact, forest bathing, or "Shinrin-yoku," a practice popularised in Japan that involves mindfully walking through forests has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and enhance overall feelings of well-being. Research conducted by Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine found that time spent in forests led to a 12.4% reduction in cortisol levels, indicating reduced stress​.

Get wild in nature like these guys!

The mental health benefits of nature are profound as well. A 2019 report by the Mental Health Foundation indicated that spending time outdoors in nature can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. Exposure to natural light and fresh air improves mood, while the peacefulness of wild environments, including LettsSafari parks, promotes mindfulness and reduces anxiety. We believe that the wilder, freer nature of our parks enhances this experience.

Recognising these health benefits, many health practitioners are beginning to incorporate 'nature prescriptions' into their practices. Doctors in the UK, for example, have started prescribing time in nature as a treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. These 'green prescriptions' encourage patients to spend more time in local parks or natural reserves to alleviate symptoms.

People visiting Exeter Capability Brown Gardens

In the U.S., programs like "Park Rx" collaborate with health professionals to promote outdoor activities in nearby green spaces as part of healthcare regimens. These initiatives aim to improve patients' physical activity, mental health, and well-being while reducing dependence on pharmaceutical treatments.

Become a paid subscriber and get your ‘Wild Wellbeing’ invite below.