Abstract

Executive summary: Overview of questions posed for the review

What is the evidence for nature exposure benefiting health?
This can be found in the introduction
Key benefits: attention restoration, stress reduction, encouraging physical activity
and social facilitation.

Are there any examples of projects utilising nature-based volunteering for
mental health benefits?
This can be found in the findings
No studies directly investigating the use of nature-based volunteering as a return-to�work strategy for mental health related staff sickness were found.

How is the impact of nature-based interventions on mental health measured?
This can be found in the findings
Most studies did not include outcome measures, and interviews were the main
method of data collection. Most did not include pre and post measures.

Outcome measures used:
● Wellbeing
○ General Well-Being Scale (GWBS)
○ Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS)
● Depression and anxiety
○ The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21)

What is the evidence of different activities eliciting different effects?
This can be found in the findings
Not enough reporting details in the studies to compare the effects of different
activities.

Is there evidence that outdoor activities are more beneficial than indoor
activities?
This can be found throughout the review
Some evidence for improved stress reduction in an outdoor setting. Not enough
evidence to compare indoor vs outdoor volunteering.

What are the potential risk factors of nature-based therapeutic interventions?
This can be found in the conclusion
No significant risk factors were identified.

What are the barriers to engagement in nature based therapeutic
interventions?
This can be found in the introduction
Structural and attitudinal barriers exist to engaging in interventions