Dartmoor great for health, naturally!
Recent research proves engaging with National Parks improves mental and physical wellbeing. Evidence has been published in light of action research carried out in two linked 3-year long projects by Dartmoor and Exmoor National Park Authorities.
Partners from Public Health England, Devon Local Nature Partnership, Active Devon, and Devon and Somerset County Councils gathered on Friday 16th February to hear the results of the ‘Moor Health and Wellbeing’ report. The evaluation, carried out by Plymouth University, weighs up the challenges and successes faced by Dartmoor’s Naturally Healthy project and Exmoor’s Moor to Enjoy. Reported positive outcomes from participants’ experiences within the National Parks included: a sense of belonging, feeling physically or mentally energised, enjoyment, sense of achievement, and increased opportunities for creativity.
Dartmoor’s Naturally Healthy project increased understanding of demographics and health risks in a local community by bringing people together with lower than average physical and/or mental health. This established a local ‘naturally healthy group’ that meets every week to either undertake a ‘Walking for Health' walk or a nature based activity for wellbeing, examples include Tai Chi, cycling, creative crafts. This process enabled the group to develop a succession strategy to secure longer term benefit. Exmoor’s Moor to Enjoy focused on supporting groups on the fringes of the national park in developing and delivering exciting activities and days out in Exmoor.
Orlando Rutter, Senior Learning & Outreach Officer at Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: “Dartmoor’s Naturally Healthy project aimed to understand some of the barriers and challenges people face when trying to take steps to improve their health outdoors – this evaluation report really helps with this understanding by bringing academic rigour and insight. We are very pleased with this result and with the ongoing interest from the now successfully established Buckfastleigh Naturally Healthy Group.”
The evaluation report will contribute to the growing body of research evidence that exposure to natural environments has demonstrable physical and mental health benefits, particularly with conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A practitioner Toolkit produced by Plymouth University provides a ten-step guide for stakeholders on how to support provision of wellbeing in nature programmes.
Find the full ‘Moor Health and Wellbeing’ final report and practitioner toolkit on our website: http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/naturally-h...
