An editorial by Ambra Burls and Woody Caan, from the Anglia Ruskin university in Essex,
appeared in the 26 November British Medical Journal (BMJ2005; 331: 1221-1222).

It discusses the fascinating matter of "Human health and nature conservation". Its major focus
is on the benefits of human relationships with animals, but our relationships with plants are
also covered.

The American zoologist Edward Wilson coined the concept of biophilia: "the connection that
human beings subconsciously seek and need with the rest of life."

That romantic soul William Colenso famously felt it: "... on revisiting these grand old woods...
fancy leads me to imagine that the trees and plants, ferns, mosses and flowers both recognise
and smilingly welcome me.... I take my hat off and salute them feelingly, and so again on leaving
them for the last time".

The therapeutic implication of biophilia is ecotherapy: restoring health through contact with
nature, a "sense of unity of biosphere and humanity" that engenders connection, restoration,
and respect for self and planet.

The relationship with pets has for twenty years been recognised as health-promoting, but extra benefits may come from the naturalness factor arising from connection with wildlife. Indeed the same issue of the BMJ carried a paper on the positive effects on depression of swimming with dolphins. We NZers know how proud and fulfilled people feel when they rescue stranded whales. Smaller animals (for example, squirrels, owls, and raccoons) have been used successfully in therapies for children with emotional and behavioural problems.

Most therapies involve participation in conservation projects, usually with large species in
challenging environments -endangered wolves and birds of prey, dolphins. UK projects have
involved species varying from badgers to rare moths. Such projects usually address mental
health needs and usually involve small groups of patients under supervision. Wildlife gardens,
like Addenbrooke's Hospital's Jubilee garden developed by a stroke patient during rehabilitation,
can flourish in small spaces close to human habitation.

People who take part in conservation projects report subjective health benefits, ascribed to being outdoors and to feeling part of a greater system connecting beyond the individual. Such projects can help overcome social isolation among people with disabilities through embracement, can develop skills, and can improve employment prospects as well as provide the known benefits associated with exercise.

One volunteer in the Meanwhile Wildlife Garden project, run by the mental health charity Mind to
conserve a small wildlife habitat in inner London, described his experience: "Initially it was
something that I would do as I recovered from my illness, but now it has become the main focus
of my energies."

English Nature has advocated a national strategy to encourage people to reconnect with nature
and benefit from proximity to wildlife.

"Partnerships between healthcare providers and nature organisations to share and exchange expertise could create new policies that recognise the interdependence between healthy people and healthy ecosystems," said the authors.

"Ecotherapy could be beneficial, but we need more robust evidence," said conservative old
granny BMJ.

I have to say, it sounds healthier than some of the toxic or exploitative quackery that poses
as "natural" these loopy days.