, found that living in a city neighbourhood rich with bird diversity and tree species was linked to increased reporting of good mental health.
The study found that people living in areas with a greater variety of birds reported feeling happier by 6.64 per cent. Similarly, those living near a wider range of tree species reported 5.36-per cent higher rates of good mental health.
“But we still found this positive association between the diversity of trees, diversity of birds and people’s self-reported mental health. And it had around the same effect as eating fruits and vegetables.”WestJet says to expect more disruptions despite strike’s end“Humans evolved in natural environments, and we evolved in taking our cues from natural environments,” she said.
“So in an environment where there are lots of different species, so lots of different birds and trees, that’s a pretty good indicator that that environment can meet all of our needs. There’s more to eat, there’s more trees for shelter, probably more water because that’s going to feed the trees and, and the birds.
While the number of street and park trees is estimated to be increasing in Canadian municipalities, the researchers argue that thebiodiversity loss is occurring in Canadian cities“Given the association between tree and bird diversity and self-rated mental health at the urban neighborhood level in Canada, holistic nature-based interventions that bolster biodiversity can be seen as a key tool for public health planning and policy in Canadian municipalities,” the study concluded.