Could you provide a brief overview of your research group – what are your main objectives and expected outcomes?
At the SLU Forest and Health research group, we conduct interdisciplinary research and development to explore how and why forests, and nature at large, impact human health and how forests should be managed to promote well-being. Our work also focuses on applying research findings to benefit society by developing interventions that strengthen the health of vulnerable groups. We have worked on projects related to rehabilitation for exhaustion syndrome and PTSD, the role of forests and nature in healthcare services, nature-based vocational training for migrants and the long-term unemployed, and integration efforts for newly arrived immigrants.
The goal of our research is to demonstrate the connections between forest environments and human health: Which types of forests have a positive or negative impact on well-being? What specific aspects of the forest contribute to these effects? Is it the tree species, the age of the trees, the ground vegetation, the birds, or the animals? Is it what people see, hear, or smell, or is it the holistic experience that promotes restoration? What role does biodiversity play? How important is proximity to forests? What happens to humans both physically and psychologically when they spend time in forest environments? What impact do familiarity, sensory experiences, and a sense of coherence and connectedness to nature have?
Our research shows that forests and nature are crucial for human health, particularly mental health. Forests provide a restorative experience, enhance mood, and improve sensory perception and overall well-being. Studies indicate that heart rate and blood pressure decrease in forest environments. Interestingly, scent has proven to be more important for well-being than sight. To optimize health benefits, forests should be relatively old and open. However, modern intensive forestry practices and early harvesting reduce the availability of "health-promoting forests." The loss of biodiversity may also pose a threat to human health.
How does your research relate to the One Health concept?
One Health focuses on the interconnections between animal, human, and ecosystem health ‒ precisely what our research is about. We study humans and the forest ecosystem, including its plants, animals, and biodiversity, with the goal of fostering healthy and thriving people within a sustainable environment. Our interdisciplinary approach involves collaboration with experts from fields such as medicine, psychology, and neurology.
What do you consider the key challenges and opportunities in your research area in relation to the forests and health?
One of the biggest challenges in research on nature-assisted rehabilitation, a key area of SLU Forest and Health, is gaining recognition within the Swedish healthcare system. Ideally, people should be referred to forest- and nature-based treatments, with "forest prescriptions" becoming accepted. Nature-based assisted rehabilitation is an excellent complement to traditional treatments for stress-related illnesses. While research supports its benefits, implementation remains limited to two regions in Sweden (Skåne and Halland) ‒ likely because shifting from conventional rehabilitation (medication and therapy) requires systemic change. Introducing new approaches often means phasing out others, and establishing new programs in a financially strained healthcare sector is costly.
The greatest opportunity in our research is that accessing forests and nature is relatively simple. If more people regularly spent time in forests ‒ just being present and absorbing nature ‒ public health in Sweden would likely improve significantly.
Elisabet Bohlin, Anna Maria Palsdottir, Marcus Hedblom and Ann Dolling
Links
Read more about SLU Forest and Health: SLU Forest and Health
Here you can read more about their research and other topics related to forests and health: Nordic Nature Health Hub
