Connecting People with Nature

Time spent in nature is good for us - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Leading health and environmental researchers agree that there is robust evidence that nature experiences increase psychological wellbeing and reduce the risk factors and burden of some mental illnesses.

Nature for Health and Wellbeing: A review of the evidence,
Fay Chomley, June 2021

Applying water sensitive urban design principles and practices will lead to increased areas for nature within our communities. This occurs when we:

protect and restore wetlands, waterways, coastal waters and bushland.
retain existing trees and plant local native trees and vegetation.
divert stormwater runoff from hard surfaces to vegetated areas, such as tree pits, raingardens and vegetated swales. The integration of trees into raingardens increases evapotranspiration and reduces stormwater runoff (Thom, 2020).
install kerb breaks (or cutting kerbs) adjacent to street trees to provide for passive watering. Irrigation of trees, including passive infiltration with stormwater runoff, can increase canopy cover by up to 80% (Hitchmough, 1994).
use permeable pavements and/or decking (where hard surfaces are necessary) to allow water to recharge groundwater storages and create soil moisture.
install roof gardens and planters on podia that manage stormwater runoff.
install art and interpretive signage about wetlands, waterways, water species, and Aboriginal culture and knowledge, and install rain responsive water features.

Communities and businesses thrive in green urban spaces. Natural features, settings, and processes in urban areas can help to reduce stress associated with urban life. In this and other ways, the community's health and wellbeing benefits from street trees, green roofs, community gardens, parks and open spaces, and extensive connective pathways for walking and biking.

These urban elements also yield ecological benefits, not only directly, but also through the role they play in shaping attitudes toward the environment and environmental protection. Knowledge of the psychological benefits of nature experience supports efforts to better integrate nature into the architecture, infrastructure, and public spaces of urban areas.

Please click on the following links to access further documentation and reference materials: