Visitors to UNH's College Woods reported better moods after their walks, and their impressions of the forest's variety of life and pleasant sounds were strong predictors of their reported well-being, researchers say.
A yearlong study collected 641 matched surveys before and after visits to the 230-acre natural area between June 2023 and May 2024. UNH described the findings Oct. 20.
The research team also used wildlife cameras, bird surveys and vegetation records to measure the plants and animals present. Visitors' overall perceptions of biodiversity, meaning the variety of living things, predicted reported well-being more strongly than the measured number of bird and mammal species.
Participants' self-reported restoration scores rose by nearly 30% on average after a visit, according to UNH. Restoration here refers to feelings such as relaxation and recovery from mental fatigue, rather than a diagnosed medical improvement.
The researchers also alternated periods with and without an educational sign near a trail entrance. People who encountered the sign perceived slightly more biodiversity. The sign was also associated with higher positive mood. The sign did not show a meaningful relationship with reduced negative emotions or greater restoration.
Lauren Ferguson, a recreation management and policy assistant professor, led the interdisciplinary work with colleagues in natural resources and biological sciences. UNH said the study appeared in Landscape and Urban Planning.
The setting limits the conclusions. Many participants were connected to the university, and most were repeat visitors. The findings do not establish that the same effect occurs in every park or that a woodland walk substitutes for mental-health care.