RecruitingInterventional

The effect of a therapeutic nature-based intervention on stress in people with mental ill-health

The GreenME study is looking into how spending time in nature, through specially designed activities, can help adults who are feeling very stressed in their daily lives. If you've been referred for stress or have referred yourself, you might be able to take part. Researchers want to see if regular nature-based sessions, like walks, crafts, or coastal activities, can actually reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Participants will attend weekly 2-hour sessions for ten weeks and fill out short questionnaires over a few months. This will help the study team understand the effects of connecting with nature. It’s hoped this research will help us better understand how nature can support mental health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Salford

Enrolment target

156

Start

28 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Reduction in stress in those with self-reported moderate-to-high perceived stress levels

What is this study about?

The GreenME study is exploring a really interesting idea: Can spending time in nature help people feel less stressed and improve their mental well-being? It's thought that being outdoors, especially in green spaces like parks or blue spaces like coasts, can be good for us. This study wants to confirm that and understand exactly how these nature-based activities can make a difference for adults who are experiencing stress in their daily lives.

If you're an adult struggling with stress and have been recommended to a nature-based group, or if you've decided to seek out such support yourself, this study might be for you. It aims to see if taking part in these special outdoor sessions can genuinely improve how you feel. The researchers at the University of Salford are leading this work, hoping to gather clear evidence about the benefits of nature for mental health.

By taking part, you'd be helping to understand more about these 'nature-based interventions'. The results could help health services offer better support in the future, using the power of nature to help people manage their stress and improve their overall mental health and happiness.

Key takeaways

This study explores how nature helps reduce stress.
It's for adults with significant daily stress.
You'll attend weekly 2-hour nature sessions for ten weeks.
You'll fill out questionnaires over a few months to track your well-being.
Your involvement helps improve future mental health support.
It's a low-risk study focusing on connecting with nature.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 75 years old.

You might be suitable if you are experiencing significant stress in your daily life. This means your stress is elevated enough to cause problems. You should also be someone who often experiences discrimination or has persistent issues like poor sleep, low mood, low energy, sadness, or anxiety. It's important that you haven't taken part in a similar nature-based therapy in the last year.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you feel significantly stressed in your daily life?
Do you often experience discrimination, or have persistent poor sleep, low mood, or anxiety?
Have you not taken part in a similar nature-based therapy in the last year?
Do you not have an intellectual disability or severe phobias that would prevent you from taking part in outdoor activities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will attend special nature-based sessions once a week for ten weeks. Each session will last about 2 hours. Depending on where you are in the UK, these activities might include nature walks, crafts, tree identification, or coastal activities like beach walks and mindfulness exercises.

Over the course of the study, you'll be asked to complete four sets of questionnaires. These help the researchers understand how you're feeling. Some people will start their nature activities right away after an initial questionnaire. Others will be in a 'waiting group' for about 10-12 weeks before they start, also filling out questionnaires at specific times. All participants will complete questionnaires at the beginning, at the end of the 10-week programme, and then again 4 weeks and (for some) 8 weeks after the programme finishes.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of spending time in natural environments, which many people find helpful for their well-being. It's hoped that by experiencing these activities, you might find relief from stress. In the long term, your participation will help scientists learn more about how nature-based activities can support mental health for many others. The study is considered very low risk. However, it does involve thinking and talking about your mental and physical health through questionnaires, which can sometimes be difficult for certain individuals. You are always free to leave the study at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northern Roots (Oldham) Ltd
City only
Oldham, United Kingdom
Tonic Surf
City only
Ceredigion, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of activities will I do?

Activities vary by location but include nature walks, crafts, tree identification, cloud gazing, coastal activities, and mindfulness exercises.

How long will the study last for me?

You will attend weekly sessions for 10 weeks. You'll complete questionnaires over a period of up to 3 months after the sessions finish.

Will I start the activities right away?

Some people will start immediately after signing up, while others might wait 10-12 weeks before beginning their sessions.

Will I have to pay to join?

No, participating in the study and the nature-based interventions is free.

Where is the study taking place?

The study is run by the University of Salford in the UK, and activities will be in specific community locations.

How to find out more

Sarah Knight

s.j.knight1@salford.ac.uk +44 (0)161 295 5000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.