A new study has found that spending time in nature can significantly improve the mental health of children, particularly those with pre-existing emotional challenges. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that even simple, low-cost programs involving time outdoors can lead to remarkable benefits for children aged 10 to 12.

Nature as a Mental Health Equalizer

The study, conducted in Quebec, Canada, involved over 500 schoolchildren who participated in a three-month program in the spring of 2023. Researchers found that children with the most significant mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and social difficulties—experienced the greatest improvements after spending two hours a week in natural environments.

Study senior author Professor Marie-Claude Geoffroy of McGill University highlighted the transformative effects:
“We found that children with higher mental health symptoms at baseline showed greater reductions in symptoms following the intervention.”

The intervention acted as a mental health equalizer, reducing disparities among children and offering particular support to those most vulnerable.

The Program: Learning in Nature

As part of the program, teachers moved regular class activities—such as lessons in math, science, and languages—into local parks or green spaces for two hours each week. Additionally, they included 10- to 15-minute activities aimed at promoting mental health. Examples included:

• Drawing a tree
• Writing haikus
• Mindful walking

The study’s first author, Tianna Loose from the University of Montreal, emphasized the simplicity and accessibility of the approach:
“The intervention was low-cost, well-received, and posed no risks, making it a promising strategy for schools with access to greenspaces.”

Positive Outcomes for Students and Teachers

At the end of the program, teachers reported that students were calmer, more relaxed, and more attentive in class after their outdoor sessions. The most significant behavioral improvements were observed in children who had exhibited high levels of distress at the start of the study.

The findings build on observational research and mark the first time a randomized controlled trial has been used to evaluate the mental health benefits of nature for children. The study aligns with a recent UNICEF report underscoring the importance of green spaces for childhood development.

Inspiration from the Pandemic

The project was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, when concerns arose about children spending excessive time indoors. Professor Geoffroy shared how her own experiences influenced the study:
“My kids and I spend lots of time in parks, so I’ve seen the benefits of spending time in nature, both for myself and for them. I thought, maybe we can create a free and accessible intervention for school children to experience similar benefits.”

Next Steps: Teenagers and Climate Anxiety

The research team plans to expand their work to include teenagers, co-designing nature-based programs aimed at reducing climate anxiety, improving well-being, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

Co-author Professor Sylvana Côté from the University of Montreal noted the broader implications of the findings:
“This suggests that nature-based programs may offer targeted benefits for children with higher levels of mental health vulnerabilities and potentially act as an equalizer of mental health among school-age children.”

A Simple Yet Powerful Solution

With schools increasingly recognizing the value of mental health support, this study highlights the potential of outdoor learning programs. By incorporating nature into the school day, educators can provide children with a calming, restorative environment that improves emotional well-being, focus, and social interaction—all without significant costs or risks.

As schools consider innovative ways to support students, nature-based interventions offer a promising solution that benefits both children and their communities.

In a shady clearing at Dams to Darnley Country Park, Hannah Willow, barefoot and clutching twigs and leaves, gently approached a towering tree. After gracefully circling it, she wrapped her arms around its wide trunk, resting her cheek against the rough bark.

Willow, a 36-year-old teacher and children’s book author, was crowned the champion tree hugger at Glasgow’s inaugural Tree Hugging Tournament. The event, organized just outside the city, was designed to help people reconnect with nature in what organizers called a “playful and heartfelt way.”

“I’m over the moon,” Willow said, adorned with her leaf-and-branch crown. “I’ve always been a bit of a tree hugger, so being here with others who feel the same is wonderful. The woods are truly where I feel at peace.”

About 15 adults and four children participated in the event, which draws inspiration from Finland’s World Tree Hugging Championships. As the weekend’s champion, Willow earned a spot in the international competition, held in the HaliPuu forest, just north of the Arctic Circle.

The global competition was established in 2020 to lift spirits during the pandemic and encourage people to reduce stress by spending time in forests. Since then, similar events have sprouted worldwide, including Glasgow’s tournament and another in the Scottish Highlands.

Shuna Mercer, 50, and Vicki Dale, the organizers, emphasized the mental health benefits of nature. Mercer, an outdoor play therapist, explained, “We wanted to raise awareness about how vital it is to reconnect with the natural world. With so much time spent on screens, people are missing out on the emotional benefits that come from being outdoors.”

The tournament consisted of three rounds. In the first, participants competed in speed hugging, where they hugged as many trees as possible in one minute, ensuring each hug lasted at least five seconds. The second round, “dedicated” hugging, focused on showing deep connection and respect to a single tree. The final freestyle round allowed competitors to express their creativity through their most unique and personal tree hug.

Vicki Dale’s daughter, Lottie, won the children’s category. Wearing a pink raincoat and green boots, she set up a whimsical tea party with her teddy bear, Tom, and a gnarled tree, which she lovingly referred to as the “twirly tree.” Lottie also read a poem during the dedicated hug, saying, “I chose this tree because it stood out to me. It’s important for kids to connect with nature, and I love spending time in the woods with my mom.”

As for Willow, she’s now preparing to compete in Finland next summer. When asked for her advice on tree hugging, she shared, “It’s all about intention. Trees are living beings, just like us. When you give them a bit of love, it’s a beautiful thing.”

A groundbreaking development in chocolate production has emerged from Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Food scientist Kim Mishra and his team have created a method to manufacture chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit, not just the beans, while eliminating the need for added sugar.

This innovative approach addresses several issues in the chocolate industry, including sustainability and farmer welfare. Traditionally, chocolate production discards most of the cocoa fruit, wasting valuable resources. The new method utilizes the fruit’s sweet juice, pulp, and even the husk to create a naturally sweet cocoa gel, potentially revolutionizing the industry.

The process has attracted attention from sustainable food companies and could solve multiple problems faced by the cocoa industry. Anian Schreiber, co-founder of KOA, a Swiss startup involved in the project, believes this approach could increase income for cocoa farmers and create more value in cocoa-producing countries.

This development comes at a time when the chocolate industry is under scrutiny for its historical links to colonialism and ongoing issues such as child labor and deforestation. The new method could contribute to more ethical and sustainable chocolate production.

The chocolate produced by this method has been described as having a rich, dark, yet sweet flavor with a hint of cocoa bitterness. However, challenges remain, including potentially higher production costs due to the current subsidies for sugar production.

Despite these hurdles, interest in the new method is growing. Chocolate producers from various cocoa-growing countries have reached out to learn more about the technique. Some major Swiss producers are beginning to incorporate more of the cocoa fruit in their processes, though none have yet eliminated sugar entirely.

As the Swiss chocolate industry, which produces 200,000 tonnes of chocolate annually worth an estimated $2 billion, looks to the future, this innovation could play a significant role in ensuring sustainability while maintaining Switzerland’s reputation for exceptional chocolate.

The development represents not just a potential shift in chocolate production, but also a step towards more sustainable and ethical practices in the food industry as a whole.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a heartening trend has emerged among the country’s younger generation. Millennials and Gen-Z Ukrainians, many of whom previously hesitated to take on the responsibility of pet ownership, are now stepping up to adopt animals displaced by the conflict. This wave of compassion is particularly evident in Kyiv, where the canine population now includes many furry friends with poignant wartime backstories.

This article highlights several touching tales of adoption:

Olena, a 30-year-old entrepreneur, found an instant connection with Chara, a dog rescued from Izium in the Kharkiv Region. Their bond formed quickly, creating a new family unit.

Daria, 31, welcomed Amelie, a cocker spaniel discovered near the Belarusian border by her boyfriend during a military mission. Amelie’s rescue fulfilled Daria’s long-held desire to help an animal in need.

Nastia, a 32-year-old designer with roots in conflict-affected regions, found solace in Spike, a mixed-breed dog from the Donetsk region. Their relationship has brought joy amidst Nastia’s experiences with displacement.

Vitalii, 33, and his wife Julia adopted Dyvo (meaning “Miracle” in Ukrainian), a puppy who overcame severe illness. For Vitalii, this marked his first deep connection with an animal, becoming a source of healing.

Costya, 34, and his girlfriend chose Runa from a shelter in Vasylkiv, appreciating the organization’s approach to reducing animal stress through temporary home placements.

Oleh and Lika, a creative couple, brought Maoshinda, a Ukrainian Laika, into their lives, overcoming initial hesitations about pet ownership.

Anya, 22, found companionship in Luna, a street dog who lost her puppies, filling a void left by wartime disruptions.

Max, 33, adopted Chief, a dog rescued from the Donetsk region, learning to navigate the challenges of pet ownership, including separation anxiety.

Olga and Andrii’s adoption of Sirko, a husky rescued from Irpin, prompted Olga’s return to Ukraine from Berlin, symbolizing a deeper commitment to their home during uncertain times.

These stories collectively illustrate how adopting animals affected by war has not only provided homes for displaced pets but also brought healing, purpose, and renewed hope to their human companions during a challenging period in Ukraine’s history.

Scientists at the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) are celebrating a significant milestone in their efforts to save the endangered Maugean skate. The captive breeding program, initiated in December, has produced its first hatchling from an egg laid in captivity.

Professor Jayson Semmens, who leads the project, expressed enthusiasm about this development, noting its importance in validating the program’s scientific approach. The success comes at a crucial time, as recent studies have shown a dramatic decline in the skate population in its last known habitat, Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast.

The breeding program has seen remarkable progress since its inception. A female skate brought into captivity has been consistently producing eggs, with over 100 laid so far and about 70 showing signs of embryonic development. The first healthy female hatchling emerged on July 10, with more expected soon.

Interestingly, the eggs are being fertilized using sperm stored by the female from previous mating in the wild, as the captive male was initially kept separate to avoid disturbing the laying process. Scientists are now observing the interactions between the adult skates in captivity.

The program has evolved rapidly, moving from basic care of skates and their eggs to successfully nurturing embryos into viable hatchlings. While there have been challenges, including the loss of two adult skates early in the program, these setbacks have led to improved screening and care protocols.

Looking ahead, researchers are focusing on developing strategies for successfully reintroducing captive-bred skates into the wild. Macquarie Harbour’s unique environmental conditions, including naturally low oxygen levels, present specific challenges that need to be addressed.

The Tasmanian government has incorporated the captive breeding program into a broader conservation action plan for the Maugean skate. However, environmental groups stress the need for urgent attention to the root causes of the harbour’s poor water quality, particularly citing concerns about the impact of salmon farming.

Despite these challenges, the scientists involved in the project express a sense of privilege in their work to preserve this endangered species, viewing each day with the skates as a special opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts.