We are all aware of the positive effects on our health and wellbeing from time being spent in nature. Whether that is time in your garden to a stroll in the countryside; the multiple benefits include reduction in stress, blood pressure, muscle tension to the reduced production of the body’s stress hormones and a boost in your mood.

The immersive experience of sights, sounds and smells all play their part, with various studies over the past 40 years confirming that we are generally at our happiest and healthiest when surrounded by nature.

But what if like many of us, getting outside isn’t such an easy option?  The Covid-19 pandemic and various lockdowns has taken its toll on our ability to get outside with four fifths of the UK living in an urban environment and with one in eight of us not having access to a garden.  Added to this are those with long-term health conditions, those recovering from surgery or others who physically cannot get outside.

Scientists from the University of Exeter are carrying out a ground-breaking experiment to explore how virtual nature experiences may be able to bridge this gap and allow us all to enjoy the benefits of nature whilst indoors regardless of our circumstances.

The team from Exeter University, headed by Alex Smalley, have collaborated with the BBC to create a three-minute nature video which will include music from award-winning film composer Nainita Desai and sound effects created by sound recordist, Chris Watson, who has worked with Sir David Attenborough for over 30 years.

Described by Smalley as a ‘virtual nature experience’; participants who take part in the study will all have a unique experience; with chosen sounds and images being played to them at random. 

Smalley explained that; ‘Some people might encounter something which focuses on the visual experience, others might encounter something which focusses more on sound’.

After taking part, each participant will be asked to provide information on the range of emotions they experienced.

In a recent interview with the BBC Smalley stated; ‘We’re saying that watching nature on the TV or on your computer isn’t just a poor surrogate for the real thing, actually it can be a therapeutic experience in its own right and that’s really what we’re hoping to explore.’ 

The experiment being carried out by the University of Exeter is part of a larger project called ‘Soundscapes for Wellbeing’ which aims to bring digital experiences of nature on mass across the UK. 

It is hoped that initial findings into the study will be published by the summer.

Interested in learning more? Click to find more news stories brought to you by HealthHubble.

Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager