A new report from Forest Research estimates that walks taken by people in UK woodlands save £185m per year in mental health costs including GP visits, prescriptions and lost days of work. The estimate was based on an assessment of previous research into the wellbeing-enhancing impacts of exposure to nature.

The study also estimates that trees located on streets in urban areas reduce national spending on mental healthcare by £16m per year.

The researchers reported that they believe that the actual benefits are likely to be much higher.