Children who near woodland in a city have better mental health than children who not. Researchers children who and experience the great outdoors every day better thinking skills. They also have a lower risk of behavioural and emotional problems. Lead author of the research Mikael Maes, from University College London, about his research. He : "These findings to our understanding of the natural environment as an important protective factor for [a child's] cognitive development and mental health." Another report author, Professor Kate Jones, seeing and hearing the sounds of nature psychological benefits for children.
In the four-year study, researchers 3,568 children aged between 9 and 15 at 31 schools in London. They the links between the natural environment and thinking skills, mental health and overall well-being. The researchers how going to woodland and parks, and "blue space" like rivers, lakes and the sea, children's health. They asked children to memory-based tests. The children who woodland every day higher on the tests. They also a 17 per cent lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems. Mr Maes all children experience "forest bathing" or "forest therapy". This is " immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of a forest".
