As we dey enter de autumn season, many people dey find themselves drawn to de forests. But why exactly we need go back forest? Recent research and personal experiences show say forests no be just beautiful places to visit, but dem also have significant health benefits.
In de UK and Ireland, one journalist go on a journey to explore de connection between humans and forests. He visit places like Wytham Woods in Oxford, where researchers dey study bats, birds, and beetles, and even de spread of diseases like ash dieback. He also go to Scotland, where he hike through Reelig Glen and visit community woodlands like Abriachan Forest Trust, which offer biking trails, community events, and forest schools[4).
One of de most interesting aspects of dis journey be de practice of forest bathing. In Ireland, he go forest bathing with a guide in one of de few old-growth oak forests on de east coast. By focusing on de textures, scents, and sounds of de forest, he transform a simple walk into a meditative experience. Research show say forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even enhance sleep and mood[4).
In addition to health benefits, forests also play a crucial role in ecological research. For example, de H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in Oregon, USA, be a 16,000-acre site where scientists study de ecology and distribution of various species, including de western spotted skunk. Dey also use geolocators to track de migration patterns of Hermit Warblers and study de impact of mixed-severity fires on stream water quality[2).
So next time you think of going out, consider visiting a forest. Not only will you enjoy de beauty of nature, but you will also be doing your health a favor.
