Everyone’s invited to take steps to improve their health and wellbeing in the outdoors thanks to a campaign launched by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) this World Mental Health Day (10 October 2026).
The For-Rest campaign throughout autumn highlights the benefits of spending time in nature and signposts people to opportunities in the New Forest with simple things they can do to support themselves.
The NPA says the New Forest National Park with its largely flat terrain, forest as well as coast, and 100 miles of walking and cycling routes makes it an ideal place to connect with nature, local communities, and heritage.
Jim Mitchell, Access and Learning Manager at the NPA, said:
‘In a recent national survey* 89% of people said getting outside improved their health and wellbeing.
‘When it comes to nature connection you can take part on many different levels – from having a picnic, taking photos and noticing the details around you, to a full-on hike. And the New Forest National Park in autumn is arguably the best place to get back to our roots!’
World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October 2026 reminds us why good mental health is so important, and how we can prioritise it in our lives and communities. It’s also a moment to talk openly and listen to what others are experiencing.
Highlights of the For-Rest campaign include:
- A two-week walking festival where people can discover the National Park with experts, featuring more than 30 walks ranging from discovering wildlife to immersing your senses with a ‘forest bathing’ walk
- The launch of a ‘Green Health Hub’ highlighting outdoor activities and groups in the New Forest, which health professionals can prescribe
- Volunteering opportunities with a range of New Forest organisations, benefiting groups and wildlife
- PEDALL inclusive cycling rides for people with additional support and accessibility needs
- Simple tips and tricks promoted on @newforestnpa social channels for connecting with nature wherever you are.
Adam Vasey, Lead Access and Volunteering Officer at the NPA, said:
‘Choosing the right time and space for having these conversations is important, and being outdoors and involved in a task or gentle exercise is often when discussing our mental health happens naturally.
‘Through the For-Rest campaign we’re signposting people to opportunities in the tranquil New Forest as well as things they can do in their garden or local park to improve their wellbeing.’
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/for-rest to find out more.
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SURVEY DETAILS
* The Adults’ People and Nature Survey for England, conducted by Natural England, gathers information on people’s experiences and views about the natural environment, and its contributions to our health and wellbeing.
March 2026 update released on 9 September 2026:
– Slide 10 of this summary document APANS-Insights_Y6.pptx shows that for people who had visited a green and natural space in the last 14 days (sample size 17,300 April 2025 – March 2026):
- 89% agreed spending time outdoors was good for their physical health;
- 89% agreed spending time outdoors was good for their mental health.