Good Nature
The New Science of How Nature Improves Our Health
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Good Nature
Narrated by:
Kathy Willis
Buy Now for $22.87
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Narrated by:
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Kathy Willis
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By:
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Kathy Willis
‘Should be mandatory reading ... A superb book’ CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN
‘Fascinating, comprehensive and highly convincing’ OBSERVER
‘I defy anyone to read this book and not embrace a life with plants!’ ISABELLA TREE
We know the benefits of eating your greens, or getting your ‘five a day’. But what about the other ways that nature can help us lead healthier – and happier – lives?
In this revolutionary book, Professor Kathy Willis reveals the surprising science behind the natural world and how we can harness its benefits to improve our health: whether it’s gardening with your bare hands to boost your gut microbiome; letting the scent of roses make you a calmer and safer driver; or tuning into birdsong to help reduce stress, and even pain.
With applications for everything from which way we walk to work to choosing where our kids go to school, Good Nature brings the latest scientific research into our homes and workplaces, showing us how we can have better, happier, healthier and longer lives.©2024 Kathy Willis (P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Critic Reviews
Filled with practical tips, showing how increasing our exposure to plants by even small amounts can make a significant difference
This lucid and entertaining book presents compelling scientific evidence that proves what many of us have perhaps long suspected: nature is really good for us. I found it revelatory (Richard Deverell, Director of Kew)
Should be mandatory reading for teachers, clinicians and basically everyone else. What a superb book, marshalling together all of the evidence needed to make a case for more nature everywhere, for nature in all policies (Chris van Tulleken)
We’ve all understood for years that spending time in nature makes us feel better. This brilliant and important book lays out the ground-breaking science behind the feeling. A critical tool arguing for us all to have access to diverse green spaces (Rosie Boycott, author of OUR FARM)
Good Nature is a game-changer – the book that proves how living with plants transforms our lives. Beautifully written, masterfully explained, Kathy Willis reveals the cutting-edge science behind the power of flora to heal and sustain us – from forests to the humble house plant. I defy anyone to read this book and not embrace a life with plants! (Isabella Tree, author of WILDING)
Loved it. It should be required reading for … anybody who values their health. Her engaging writing can’t help but change the way we look at the world and I will be astonished if any reader doesn’t change at least some habits to take advantage of the fascinating benefits she so clearly outlines (John Cherry, founder of Groundswell)
Kathy Willis argues in this revealing, optimistic book [that] “science backs up our instincts” about the benefits of interacting with the natural world . . . As this lucid, readable book shows, in many cases, “The prescription is NATURE” (Nick Rennison)
Illuminating . . . Willis produces a fascinating, comprehensive and highly convincing argument
The Japanese concept of forest bathing isn’t simply a spiritual practice, according to Willis, an Oxford University biodiversity professor who shows that different kinds of contact with plants can affect humans in measurable ways. Maintaining a front garden might increase your mental health; looking at green spaces can raise academic performance. The author hopes for more studies and more data. There’s already enough to inspire you to stop and smell the roses
Fascinating
Willis, a professor of biodiversity at the University of Oxford, incorporates stimulating research results in her presentation of how sensory interaction with plants benefits our well-being. Willis’ passion for plants and advocacy for our ‘green senses’ bloom throughout the book
Paleoecologist Kathy Willis explores the surprising physiological and psychological benefits of plants on human health in her entertaining, absorbing Good Nature
I very much liked how the author summarised the studies and indicated the strength of them: size of group, presence of control, replicated by other studies and the like. It was also interesting to learn how she reacted to these studies by making changes in her own habits.
It is to be hoped that more city and urban planners, people in the medical field, architects, landscapers and those in the horticultural industry can engage more with the benefits of nature and their incorporation into particularly urban environments and buildings whether public or private.
But there is a lot for everyone to consider; check the research papers referenced if curious, look for local research (the book focuses mainly on Northern Hemisphere species) and experiment with in their own living, working, transiting and recreation spaces.
Fascinating summary of how exposure to nature improves our health
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