University of Exeter pilot study finds nature-based self-help programme improves mental wellbeing and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

University of Exeter pilot study finds nature-based self-help programme improves mental wellbeing and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

(IN BRIEF) A University of Exeter pilot study has found that a self-guided, four-week nature-based programme called Roots and Shoots can significantly improve wellbeing and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Tested with 47 adults, the programme led to measurable improvements in 82 per cent of participants and clinically significant changes in 59 per cent, with some moving below the clinical threshold for mental health difficulties. Participants also reported greater mindfulness and stronger connections to nature, with high levels of satisfaction and engagement. Developed by Dr Matt Owens and Dr Hannah Bunce of ROWAN, the programme highlights the potential of nature-based self-help resources to complement mental health care, though researchers stress that larger trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 18-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new pilot study suggests that spending time with nature through structured self-help activities could provide significant relief for individuals struggling with low wellbeing, depression, and anxiety. The four-week programme, Roots and Shoots, designed by researchers at the University of Exeter, was shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve mindfulness, offering a practical tool to complement existing mental health support.

The study, published in Behavioral Sciences, tested the programme with 47 adults who were randomly divided into two groups: one immediately used the nature-based guidebook, while the other was placed on a waiting list. The results revealed that 82 per cent of participants who engaged with Roots and Shoots experienced measurable improvements in wellbeing, and 59 per cent demonstrated clinically significant progress. Some individuals who initially met clinical criteria for depression or anxiety fell below the diagnostic threshold by the end of the programme.

Led by Dr Matt Owens, co-founder of the University’s nature and mental health research group ROWAN, the programme integrates principles of clinical psychology with evidence from environmental research to encourage greater interaction with natural spaces. “We know that connecting with nature is good for mental health, yet modern lifestyles mean many of us spend more time indoors and in front of screens,” Dr Owens explained. “Roots and Shoots is designed to empower people to rebuild their relationship with the natural world and take steps to improve their wellbeing.”

Participants reported a stronger sense of connection to nature and expressed high satisfaction with the programme, with 94 per cent stating they would recommend it to others. Nearly half indicated they would be interested in a version lasting longer than four weeks, suggesting strong potential for further development and adoption.

Dr Hannah Bunce, Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of ROWAN, highlighted the broader significance: “Self-help resources like Roots and Shoots are still emerging but they have real promise. They can increase access to mental health support and help people self-manage their difficulties while building a deeper connection to nature. These findings are highly encouraging, but we now need funding for a larger-scale trial before it can be offered more widely.”

With mental health difficulties costing the UK economy an estimated £118 billion annually, the researchers believe that scalable, nature-based self-help interventions could make a meaningful contribution both to individual wellbeing and to easing pressure on overstretched health services.

The paper ‘Roots and Shoots: A Pilot Parallel Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Nature-Based Self-Help Intervention for Low Wellbeing’ is published in Behavioral Sciences.

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email: pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter