Featured today on the BBC news website, Helen Briggs discusses the benefits of taking a walk through a green-space (as opposed to an urban environment). ‘After decades of research, the scientific world is moving closer to pinpointing how exposure to nature seems to promote well-being.  A recent US study found that being close to nature might soothe the mind by reducing rumination – when negative thoughts get stuck on repeat, playing over and over in the mind.’

Can you prescribe nature?

You can read the full study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)

We have the Harris Gardens on campus.  This is a great place to walk and escape from the pressures of work.  Keep a look out for me there!

To find out more visit the Friends of Harris Gardens website – http://www.friendsoftheharrisgarden.org.uk/

Garden highlights include:

•The garden is set in an area which contains many rare and unusual trees and shrubs from around the  world, some dating from the original 18th and 19th century gardens. These include the veteran Turkey Oaks of which only five now remain.
•Under the Turkey Oaks you will find the stream flowing through small pools into the pond. It has spring and summer planting on its banks.
•Beyond the stream is the Flower Meadow featuring mainly native wild flowers which provide a magnificent sight that is enhanced by the addition of bulbous plants such as narcissi, camassias and alliums when they are in bloom.
•The Crab Apple Orchard and the Cherry Bowl provide a wonderful sight in the spring. Most of the ornamental apples have colourful autumn foliage and decorative fruit which provide a feast for birds and squirrels.
•Several large herbaceous borders in the Formal Garden and elsewhere provide colour from spring to autumn and contain a wide range of plants. The Conifer Circle provides a wonderful backdrop.
•The gravel garden is a recent addition and was created around two large eucalyptus trees. It contains many drought tolerant plants which give texture and structure and are attractive to bees and butterflies.