Green Public Health Benefits of Woodlands on Human Health and Well-being

Zur Gesundheitswirkung von Waldlandschaften

Wien

2014

48 S.

Monographie

978-3-902762-36-8

17135

185247

This study aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature on the benefits of wood lands on people s health, well-being, and quality of life. Its intention is to high light the advantages of the forest as a place for leisure activities, restoration, recovery from stress and further social and therapeutic interventions. Its aim is to take stock of the current state of the scientific knowledge and provide a knowledge base for projects re lating to Green Care in woodlands and Green Public Health. Both scientific and practical projects have been taken into account. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature in order to collate and synthesise the findings of studies investigating the benefits of woodlands on human health and well-being. In the process, we surveyed the research published in scientific journals between 1993 and 2013. Reports in books and grey literature supplement the results of our systematic search. Overall, the study includes 149 peer-reviewed articles as well as 31 landmark publications, originating mainly from Western countries and East Asia, specifically from Korea and Japan. Shinrin-yoku, which translates as forest bathing , is currently considered apreeminent and hot topic in restoration research. Shinrin-yoku strives at connecting the positive effects of forests for physical and mental well-being. Generally, the findings of the scientific work we reviewed suggest that the time spent in woodlands can have positive effects on physical, psychological and social health and on well-being. These effects may come about due to the promotion of physical activity or simply on account of enjoying the atmosphere in the woods. More specifically, spending time in forests increases positive emotions, decreases negative emotions and helps in coping with subjectively experienced stressors. This is how woodlands contribute to mental health. With respect to physiological stress indicators, most of the studies reported positive effects and prevention of stressrelated diseases. Social forestry projects make use of the forests inclusive potential for the benefit of the socially vulnerable. Wilderness therapy programmes as well as therapeutic activities in a healing forest are cited as practical examples that make use of the forest s healing powers. In scientific literature, Nacadia in Denmark serves as the bestdocumented example for a healing forest garden. Further best-practice examples can be found in a number of different countries in Europe, Australia and Asia. In woodlands, well-being can be affected by the duration of the stay, the activities undertaken and the physical exercise performed as well as the social context. Even short visits can have recreational effects. Sports activities and exercises can enhance these positive effects. Especially for mental health, woodlands seem to provide more benefits than other environments and settings. A sense of safety, supported way-finding, accessibility, easy legibility of the terrain and walkability, but also a certain degree of natural diversity and alternation are important aspects of the beneficial effects. Both crowding and the complete absence of other people are considered negative, with perceived safety being an important aspect of well-being. A well-kept but natural-looking impression, open tree stands and lots of light at the site as well as the absence of noise are further advantages that get people to feel at ease in woodlands.forest, forest stand, green care, green space, healing landscapes, health, human health, leisure activity, leisure time, landscape planning, natural environments, nature, physio - logical effect, practical example, psychological restoration, psychological well-being, public health, quality of life, restoration, restorative environments, social inclusion, therapeutic landscapes, well-being, woodland