Dr Krish Rawal, Infinity Group’s Medical Director, analyses the benefits of nature walks, both in the neurological and the psychological sense.

I have started to get in to the habit of going for a walk later in the evening around Commonwealth Park before bed which helps me unwind from the day, cool down a bit and sleep better.

Experimental evidence strengthens the case for prescribing nature walks by demonstrating measurable psychological and neurological effects. A randomised controlled trial comparing a 40-minute nature walk with an urban walk found significantly greater improvements in positive outlook among those walking in nature. Neurophysiological data from the same study showed lower brain frontal midline theta activity after nature exposure, suggesting reduced cognitive strain and a restorative effect on attention. Complementary meta-analyses indicate that nature walks can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, reinforcing their potential role as an additional therapeutic intervention. These findings support theoretical frameworks such as Attention Restoration Theory, which proposes that natural environments replenish depleted cognitive resources.

From a health systems perspective, social prescribing initiatives incorporating nature walks are already demonstrating real-world impact. A large government-backed programme in England involving more than 8,000 participants reported increased happiness and reduced anxiety following engagement in activities such as guided nature walks. Observational research also suggests that regular group nature walks are associated with better mental wellbeing and may counteract the negative effects of stressful life events. Given their accessibility, minimal side-effect profile, and broad acceptability, prescribing nature walks offers a pragmatic and evidence-based addition to holistic wellbeing care, particularly in primary care and mental health settings where non-pharmacological options are increasingly prioritised.

So – see you in Commonwealth Park – the frogs sound amazing at night!