Rural school pupils visiting Trees for Life’s Dundreggan rewilding estate near Loch Ness have been helping shape a nature-based research programme to boost young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Healthy Young Minds is a nature-based early-intervention programme involving researchers at University of South Wales, University of the Highlands and Islands, and Dundee University. It involves high school students aged 11-14 years old co-producing activities to support the wellbeing of young people.

As part of the initiative, this spring, two groups of children from Farr and Kinlochleven High Schools visited Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston. The young people took part in a guided rewilding walk and pond dipping activity, and learned about tree identification, bannock bread making, and traditional fire lighting.

Since taking part, students reported that they now see nature as important for their mental health, they go outside more, and they think about other people more.

Franny Schlicke, Trees for Life’s visitor experience and operations supervisor at Dundreggan, said:

“Supporting young people’s mental health is so important, and it was wonderful to see the students enjoying the nature-rich landscape here, and engaging in the activities and discussions.

“This research project highlights why everyone should have the opportunity to get out into nature, to enjoy its health and wellbeing benefits, and see for themselves why it needs protecting and restoring.” 

The Healthy Young Minds team is now preparing two papers for publication in academic journals, and working to secure additional funding. The team will keep in touch with the schools to explore developing and implementing the nature-based activities designed by the pupils.