A new study published today has bolstered the positive link between time spent in nature and better health.

Among volunteers at The Wildlife Trusts charity, 95 per cent of those with low mood or who felt isolated reported improved well-being after working on gardening and wildlife projects.

The study by the University of Essex assessed changes in the attitudes, behaviour and well-being of 139 people, involved in schemes including tree-planting, scrub clearance, building bird tables or homes for insects, sowing seeds and growing food.

More than two-thirds of all participants reported more positive feelings, more physical activity and greater general health after six weeks — with further increases over 12 weeks.

A report for Natural England last year found similar effects.

Wildlife Trusts nature and well-being manager Dominic Higgins said the findings showed that working with nature “makes people feel better, happier and more connected to other people.”

Fellow nature charity the Woodland Trust is to launch its Charter for Trees, Woods and People on November 6, calling for better protection for trees and recognition of their health benefits.

Evidence shows that people living in areas with high levels of greenery are 40 per cent less likely to be overweight or obese, the charity says.

The charter’s launch is timed to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the 1217 Charter of the Forest, which limited the king’s hitherto increasing power over rights to the forest and taxation for the “free” peasantry.