Highland school pupils are helping researchers explore how spending time outdoors could support the mental health and wellbeing of young people living in rural communities.
Pupils from Farr and Kinlochleven High Schools have been working with researchers through the Healthy Young Minds programme, including visits to Trees for Life’s Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston near Loch Ness this spring.
The research is looking at how engagement with nature and local green spaces could help young people cope with challenges including exam stress, bullying, body image worries and climate anxiety.
Researchers say young people living in rural areas can face additional difficulties including isolation and barriers caused by infrastructure and distance.
Healthy Young Minds brings together researchers from the University of South Wales, University of the Highlands and Islands and Dundee University, with pupils aged between 11 and 14 helping to develop activities themselves.
During their time at Dundreggan, the Highland pupils took part in a guided rewilding walk, pond dipping, tree identification, bannock bread making and traditional fire lighting.
Workshops facilitated by Highland mental health charity Ewen’s Room then asked the young people themselves what outdoor activities they thought could improve wellbeing.
Their suggestions ranged from camping, hill walking, wild swimming and beach combing to outdoor cafés, family activities, sports, board games and natural crafts.
The ideas were discussed with other young people and experts before pupils refined their proposals and voted for their favourites.
Franny Schlicke, Trees for Life’s Visitor Experience and Operations Supervisor at Dundreggan, said:
“Supporting young people’s mental health is so important, and it was wonderful to see the students enjoying the nature-rich landscape here, and engaging in the activities and discussions.
“This research project highlights why everyone should have the opportunity to get out into nature, to enjoy its health and wellbeing benefits, and see for themselves why it needs protecting and restoring.”
The pupils also explored five approaches to wellbeing, including connecting with other people, learning new skills, giving to others, being physically active and taking notice of the little things around them.
Dr Sara Bradley, Senior Research Fellow at the University of South Wales, said:
“Our project is enabling young people to come up with their own ideas on how nature can support their health and wellbeing.
“It was inspiring for the team and students to be able to visit Dundreggan’s excellent Rewilding Centre and its stunning wild landscape as part of this.
“Co-creating with young people is a very important and effective way to engage them in tackling challenges.
“The project has created opportunities for addressing mental health difficulties in a preventative way through being outdoors and accessing nature.”
Following the programme, participating pupils reported seeing nature as more important to their mental health, spending more time outside and thinking more about other people.
Researchers are now preparing two academic papers and seeking further funding, while continuing to work with the schools on how some of the activities designed by the pupils could be developed and put into practice.
The project involves NHS Highland’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Ewen’s Room and Kinlochlovin’, with support from Trees for Life and the Highland Green Health Partnership and funding from the Medical Research Council.
See visitdundreggan.co.uk for more details.
