How nature can help improve everyone's wellbeing

Kaya Saman explains how the tranquility of a nature reserve helps with some of the issues of living with Autism.

Evidence shows that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits both physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health.

However, we know that many people feel unwelcome and unsafe in green spaces or are unable to access wild places close to where they live. This is why The Wildlife Trusts are working to bring wildlife to more people, and more people to wildlife.

Kaya Saman lives in London but discovered Warburg Nature Reserve, tucked away in the the tranquil Chilterns, helped him deal some of the issues he faces as an autistic person.

Kaya writes,

I discovered the Chiltern area and Warburg Nature Reserve after scouring Google Maps looking for wild and natural areas to visit.

After being diagnosed with Autism quite late in life, many things have been tried in order to help alleviate some of the issues that the condition imposes but nothing seemed to work very well.

I decided to take a few drives out to various areas late at night when it was quiet and free from traffic, and found the reserves to be easily accessible and a far cry from the business and 'overcrowded-ness' of big towns and cities.

Trees and scrub against a winter blue sky — Warburg Nature Reserve is tucked away in the Chilterns. Photo by Kaya Saman

Having recently taken up photography in a more serious context, to facilitate getting outside and breaking free of chains such as anxiety and panic while in crowded and busy places, I decided to head over to Warburg Nature Reserve with my cameras.

It was a major success and I found the environment to suit me almost perfectly. The views are amazing, the air is clean, it is peaceful and tranquil, and the people you meet are so friendly and down to earth.

Herd of sheep — Some of the sheep at Warburg Nature Reserve. Photo by Kaya Saman

On my first visit, I got to watch some of the staff and volunteers herding sheep onto a field for grazing. There were also many red kites flying above and even a buzzard.

On a recent visit we managed to even see pheasants, which was wonderful. Even coming to the reserve late at night provides spectacular views of the night sky and I would definitely advise any keen astrophotographers to take note.

Starlit sky at night — The remoteness of Warburg Nature Reserve gives great views of the night sky. Photo by Kaya Saman

I am really hoping to explore more of this area and start learning about the various types of flora and fauna that live there, and hopefully work towards trying to express the beauty to a wider audience.