Published on the RSPB Scottish Nature Notes website, by Molly Martin 4th August 2024. Featured image credit David Duarte Crespo on Unsplash
First Minister John Swinney is drawing up his legislative priorities for the year ahead, and there is hope that his Programme for Government due in early September will include a commitment to bring forward a Natural Environment Bill. This will set targets for nature’s recovery, driving action across government and society. As part of the Scotland Loves Nature campaign, the RSPB set up an easy action people can take to show Mr Swinney there is significant public support to include the bill in his programme. This action adds to the stories they have been sharing from supporters in recent months – people from across Scotland have been explaining why #NatureMatters, and why targets for restoring nature are needed.
Nature fills us with wonder and awe. It reminds us we are part of something bigger. Anyone who’s wandered in woodlands or strolled along a beach knows the inner calm which arises from immersing ourselves in the natural world.
Hearing the wind breathing through the leaves, the hopeful chorus of birdsong, or the waves breaking onto the shore unlocks a sense of belonging to the world and makes our everyday problems seem much smaller.
And, in an increasingly digital world, nature offers an opportunity to go offline, to unplug, to escape.
But nature is in crisis. There is a real risk that these precious moments go away forever. We need your support to turn the tide. So we’ve been gathering your stories of why nature matters to you.
‘Nature touches my heart and soul’
Many of you told us how important nature is to your mental health and wellbeing.
- “In these troubled times it is nature that has made me get up in the morning, made me believe there can still be hope.” Frances, Dunblane
- “Nature touches my heart and soul. Whether it’s being serenaded by birdsong, listening to Whooper Swans fly in for the winter, smiling at butterflies on flowers or damselflies over the pond, or Swallows returning to the barn in April, each living bird, creature, wildflower makes my heart sing.” Anonymous, Biggar
- “Every day in my garden, where we have Pine Marten, foxes, badgers, deer and a myriad of birds. As an older person, these give me so much pleasure watching them benefit from my feeding them. It helps with my mental state too as, if I’m down, just seeing nature around me cheers me up. It is the core of our happiness. It helps with food production, mental wellbeing and just the joys of being alive. I couldn’t contemplate a world without nature.” Anonymous, Lochgilphead
‘It really makes your spirit soar’
You’ve also shared with us some magical moments with wildlife which brightened up your days. One supporter told how he witnessed a playful pod of dolphins from the esplanade at Greenock:
“It was amazing to see these iconic animals in the previously heavily industrialised and still highly urbanised area of the Clyde. It really makes your spirit soar to see them leaping out of the water. It makes me feel nature can recover if given the right conditions.”
Derek, a retired naturalist from Thurso, said: “Without nature there is very little point in living. The sight of hundreds of bumblebees on my Sedum Spectabile along with Red Admirals and other insects is enough to lighten up my life.”
Nature is “vital” in keeping us “emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy”, according to the Mental Health Foundation.
Research shows people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life, and find it creates positive emotions such as calmness, joy, and creativity.
Mental health charity MIND also reports spending time with nature has been found to help with conditions like anxiety and depression.
But this important tonic which brings happiness and fulfilment to so many is at great risk. One in nine species in Scotland are facing extinction, from Puffins to Red Squirrels. We need your help to save them.
This autumn, we are calling for the Scottish Government to bring forward the Natural Environment Bill, setting legally binding targets to protect and renew nature. Keep an eye on our channels for how you can help.
Stories like yours are essential to show why #NatureMatters to so many people – not just for the future of our planet, but for our health and happiness.