Birdsong is one of the most joyful parts of spring. Head out into nature at this time of year, and you're likely to be greeted by cheerful chirping and lyrical song thanks to our feathered friends.
Research shows that birdwatching is more than just spotting birds - it can improve mental health, deepen our connection to nature and help us to slow down. Here are seven ways that birdwatching can support your wellbeing, as shared by Ollie Olanipekun, founder of Flock Together.
Who are Flock Together?
Flock Together is a birdwatching collective for people of colour. They're reclaiming green spaces and rebuilding their relationship with nature, one walk at a time. All italicised quotes below are Ollie's reflections on how birdwatching can support wellbeing.
1. Reconnect with nature
There are many ways to reconnect to nature but what I’ve found is one of the best ways to do so is to ensure you’re taking regular trips. Give yourself a four-week period and try and spend one hour a week out in nature for four weeks.
Visiting the forest offers a chance to tune into your senses, experience the calming presence of trees and notice the wildlife around you. Even short, regular trips can strengthen your connection to the natural world.
2. Feel supported through community
Being around people that share or have similar interests or lived experiences to you gives a level of support that you might not find at home or in the workplace. The support is like a protective barrier against some of the issues we might find as adults.
Spending time with others in the forest can help you feel supported, understood and part of something bigger. Shared moments outdoors can lift your mood and strengthen relationships too. Make a plan to spend time with friends or family, or check out events at your local forest to join like-minded people.
3. Pause and de-stress
Being in nature forces us to pause and be present. And by being present we’re able to gain perspective in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with distractions.
Quality time in nature offers the chance to slow down and let your mind settle. Surrounded by trees, birdsong and natural light, many people find it easier to release tension and relax.
4. Boost physical health
On top of boosting our mental health, our walks give us physical wealth, a much-needed break from working behind a desk or in front of a laptop all week.
With a huge range of walking, cycling and running trails to explore, every visit to one of our forests offers you the chance to move your body in a way that appeals to you. Even small, regular walks among the trees can make a meaningful difference to your physical wellbeing.
5. Support conservation
Through introducing people to nature via our walks, we’re helping to create an appreciation for our environments. From this appreciation we are more inclined to want to protect it.
Spending time in places we love often encourages us to play a more active role in caring for them. By volunteering or donating, you can directly support our conservation work, protecting wildlife and strengthening forest habitats for the future.
6. Learn new skills
Being curious is fundamental to creativity, and by learning new things we can expand not only skill sets but also our imagination.
From practical volunteering to creative art programmes, workshops and guided activities, there are plenty of opportunities to learn in the forest. Developing new skills is not only useful, but can help build confidence too.
7. Enjoy time out of the city
Being able to escape the city is a privilege that should be afforded to more people. Also considering safety for everyone, that’s why managed forests like Wendover Woods are a great way to introduce people to the benefits of getting out of the city and into nature.
Escaping to the woods is the chance to swap city streets for everything from peaceful riverside paths to sunny pine forests and sweeping valley views. Whether you’re looking for wide open trails or sheltered woodland walks, there’s a Forestry England site that fits the bill.
Birds to listen for in spring
Inspired by Flock Together to give birdwatching a go? Here's a list of some bird species you might hear once you tune in:
- Chiffchaff - the harbinger of spring, their song is easy to remember because it calls its name on repeat "chiff chaff, chiff chaff" (and sometimes with an extra note "chaff” on the end).
- Robin – a sweet, melodic song with a pause in between, you’ll likely see robins boldly singing from a prominent perch, displaying their red breast.
- Great tit – heard all year round, this song is a repeated two note phrase that sounds like “teacher, teacher”.
- Blackbird – singing with a beautiful, flutey whistle, a similar melodic song to the robin but lower in tone. Often perched up high, it starts the dawn chorus in the morning.
- Wren – one of the loudest songs from one of our smallest birds. This little bird sings a burst of song with a fast trill towards the end.
Plan your forest visit
Get ready to experience the wellbeing benefits for yourself. Find a Forestry England forest near you and start birdwatching this spring.
