MORE SCOTS are turning to nature and the great outdoors to help their wellbeing following lockdown.

A new survey conducted by Scottish Natural Heritage has revealed the importance of nature to Scotland's recovery from Covid-19.

Lockdown saw an increase in the number of people visiting the outdoors to enjoy their surroundings and stay healthy. The 1000 people surveyed revealed that Scots took more outdoor exercise and expect to continue this as restrictions lift, with 70% citing health as a motivator for getting outdoors and 34% of Scots admitting to getting a daily dose of nature, compared to 22% prior to lockdown.

More than one in three people specifically referenced managing stress as a reason for exercising outdoors and 63% stated their experiences had helped them de-stress, relax and unwind, and 58% felt energised and revitalised.

To keep up this momentum, SNH has this week launched campaign 'Make Space for Nature' which encourages people to further explore simple, fun activities that can help nature thrive – from submitting sightings of birds, frogs, and butterflies – to swapping pollinator-friendly plant cuttings with friends and even learning to love weeds – a great food source for pollinators.

SNH chief executive Francesca Osowska linked the heightened importance of nature to recovery from Covid-19: “Nature is at the heart of our emergence from this crisis. The results from this survey reinforce just how important nature is for all of us – both physically through exercising and emotionally for our mental health.

“During lockdown, activities such as noticing birds and wildlife, and the change in seasons, were relatively high, even among those who rarely or never visited the outdoors," she continued. "These people have made an important first step in loving nature and experiencing all the benefits. We want to help them keep it up.”

The survey revealed a significant increase in participation in nature focused activities during lockdown – many relaxed in their garden (62%), took part in gardening (42%), enjoyed wildlife in their garden (36%) and enjoyed watching wildlife from indoors through a window (30%).

Ms Osowska concluded: “As the need for nature is ever more apparent, the way Scotland recovers from Covid-19 could be one important way we secure a nature rich future for generations to come.”

SNH is keen to encourage and support people to develop their interest, learn more and get involved in nature. Top tips to help everyone continue to make space for nature in their lives this summer can be found online at https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/make-space-nature-summer.