Noticing nature: the role of environmental awareness in promoting well-being

While just being in nature has a beneficial effect on wellbeing, specifically prompting people to notice nature has a greater restorative effect on mental wellbeing than passive observation. This was the finding from a recent study, Harries  et al 2025, which involved visitors to the RHS’ wellbeing garden at Wisley. In the study, participants spent 20 minutes in the garden and were asked about their mental state before and afterwards. One group were prompted to note natural features – natural sounds, smells, views, plants and biodiversity. Another group were prompted to note human-made features – buildings, pathways and human-made sounds. A third group were not prompted as to what to observe. Mean wellbeing scores improved in all three groups after the 20 minutes in the wellbeing garden, but the improvement was substantially greater in those prompted to observe nature.

These results suggest some features that could be added to wellbeing gardens to help people get the most out of them. Signs could draw attention to particular natural features, while digital trails or guided walks that promote engagement with nature could be helpful.

Harries et al 2025: Noticing nature: The role of environmental awareness in promoting well-being. People and Nature 2025;7 (10):2307-19

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