Listening to birds singing has a positive effect our mental health and well-being. Birdsong is one the most beautiful sounds nature. Conversely, noise traffic is annoying and can increase our stress. A new study the University of Surrey in the UK suggests that the noise traffic may reduce the positive effects of birdsong our mood. Environmental psychologist Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe said: "Traffic noise undoubtedly affects the psychological benefits natural soundscapes." She said we need to think more carefully adding green spaces to towns, "so that people enjoy such areas to the fullest". She also suggested lowering speed limits near parks.
More than 1,500 people took part the study. They listened to nine different soundscapes natural sounds and traffic noise. The people then answered questions about how relaxed and refreshed they felt after listening to the sounds. The researchers found that listening to birdsong benefited well-being. However, even low levels, traffic noise reduced feelings well-being. Researcher Dr Melissa Marselle said the modern world is noisy. She said we need to investigate the impact traffic noise nature's sounds and whether it negatively affects their benefits. She added that we need to identify more quiet outdoor spaces to help people who are feeling stressed.
