It’s widely appreciated that connecting with nature has many benefits for our wellbeing so it’s really important that we all have access to wild spaces and to the natural world. These connections help promote feelings of calm, lessen anxiety, improve mood and our attention – nature’s effect can even improve creativity and self esteem! So, what can we do to harness all this natural goodness? Let’s find out with our five ways to wellbeing this new year.

1. Be Active

Go outside for a walk and explore your nearest nature reserve

Walking is a great way to explore local wild spaces and different habitats. As well as the physical exercise, you’ll get a boost of Vitamin D to help your immune system and it’s likely you’ll feel fitter and more toned for it. Here are 5 fabulous winter walks across the region to whet your appetite, including a special New Year’s Walk in Cassiobury Park, which is guided by Reserves Officer, Anna Daniels and bookable here. You can also find out which of our reserves are close to home and plan the details of your own route by checking out all of the Trust’s 40 nature reserves here.

2. Connect

With the people around you and share wildlife experiences

A great way to mix with people in the region is to try one of our volunteer sessions which run across the area, throughout the year.  As well as the social side, the sessions provide good exercise and a chance to learn new skills. Find out more about the different types of volunteering opportunities here.

Seeing something marvellous in nature is a joy to share. Tell a friend, point out a sighting to a family member or tell us about it by tagging us @hertswildlifetrust on Instagram and Facebook and @HMWTBadger on Twitter.

3. Give

Do something to help your local place and the people that live there

Why not book yourself onto a free tree planting sessions at Panshanger Park, in partnership with park owners Tarmac, and Hertfordshire County Council?  As well as the health benefits of getting outside, you’ll be helping to improve the park’s biodiversity and developing a 17,000-tree woodland for generations to come, creating a lasting memoriam to Queen Elizabeth II. Book an adult only or family planting session here.

Or how about getting together with friends or neighbours to make your community more wildlife friendly?  From creating Hedgehog corridors across gardens to making sure the birds have food during these colder months, you can find help and ‘how to’ guides here to work on together.

Could you do your bit to help us to protect a habitat as rare as a rainforest for wildlife and future generations? We need to fundraise £500,000 to buy and protect Archers Green, an important wildlife site near Welwyn Garden City. Its priority habitats are home to iconic, yet threated species, including Water Vole, Harebell and Skylark. You can find out more or make a donation here, or simply help by spreading awareness of our fundraising campaign. 

4. Take Notice

Of the everyday wildness on your doorstep

It doesn’t take more than a few minutes outside to start seeing and hearing the vitality of nature.  Venture outdoors to marvel at frosty cobwebs, spot nuts and berries and, if you’re an early bird, just watch the day come up before the routine kicks in.

Want to know what wild sights and sounds to look out for? Check out our blog on 5 wild things to discover this winter.

5. Learn

Try something new

You could volunteer for the first time and learn new skills, or build up your wildlife knowledge by joining one of our many talks and workshops throughout the year. 

For example, learn all about Winter Wildfowl in the Colne Valley at our free online talk in January or, book your place on our Winter Tree Identification Workshop, where you’ll spend the morning learning in a classroom before heading out to Hertford Heath Nature Reserve to put your new-found knowledge into practice.

To keep the benefits of connecting with nature front of mind as you navigate this new year, register to receive our free, monthly e-news publication and get a healthy dose of nature delivered straight to your inbox - simply enter your details below. Here’s to a year of wild wellbeing!

If you feel like you need further support, we recommend visiting the NHS website, Mind - the mental health charity and the health and wellbeing section of the Hertfordshire County Council website for more information and signposting to services.