Ryan Hammoud

ALT Photo of a bird on a branch with beak open

ALT The Conversation | The NHS ten-year health plan is missing a crucial ingredient: nature. “If this plan is about prevention, then nature should be central to it. The science is unequivocal: contact with the natural world supports human health in wide ranging and profound ways. It lowers stress, improves mood, and alleviates symptoms of anxiety.” Co-authored by Andrea Mechelli (Professor of Early Intervention in Mental Health, pictured), Giulia Vivaldi (Research Associate) Michael Smythe and Nick Bridge (Project Team Members), King’s College London

ALT Biodiversity is key to mental health benefits of nature. “In the context of climate change, we are witnessing a rapid decline in biodiversity in the UK as well as globally. Our results suggest that biodiversity is critical not only for the health of our natural environments but also for the mental wellbeing of the people who live in these environments.” Andrea Mechelli, Professor of Early Intervention in Mental Health, King’s IoPPN

ALT There is a direct link between seeing or hearing birds and positive mood. We hope this evidence can demonstrate the importance of providing environments to encourage birds, not only for biodiversity but for our mental health. - Ryan Hammoud, Research Assistant at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London