In October 2021, a person recreated a walk accomplished 62 years earlier, climbing just below 3,000 feet to achieve the summit of Ben Dham on the northwest coast of Scotland. Steep hill walks provided uninterrupted views across Loch Dam and Loch Torridon. The combination of dramatic scenery and poignant nostalgia left him feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
Later that yr, a lady documented regular walks along the banks of the fast-flowing River Thurso near Inverness. Otter. During the winter months, wildlife sightings along the riverbanks in addition to nice exchanges with other hikers strengthened his connection to his local people.
In the spring of 2022, one other man recorded the enjoyment of swimming in a loch at the underside of his garden in central Scotland: “The water was warm and welcoming – it took me five minutes to get waist deep – then… Swim of the yr (5 minutes and I used to be out) fresh and alive!!”
Henry Allen
These three people took my share. Environmental Research Project Investigating whether Scottish freshwater environments can deliver positive mental health outcomes over time. In total, 45 participants from across Scotland took part, recording greater than 700 diary entries between July 2021 and October 2022. Four groups of Scottish adults accomplished three month-long diaries at different intervals during this era.
The accomplished diaries yielded first-hand information in regards to the advantages of freshwater interactions and created a big database of freshwater experiences: from sailing and swimming to sketching on the water's edge.
This study was certainly one of the primary to make use of diaries to review our relationship with blue spaces. By analyzing these personal stories, experiences and emotions, my diary study adds to a growing body of research. Health benefits Spending time in nature.
There were some challenges. Transcribing diary entries was time-consuming and the handwriting was sometimes difficult to decipher. A note about watching young people partying by the river intrigued me: “The ducks weren't too nervous, just retreated when the rivers moved backwards towards them.” Months later, during a conversation with a fellow PhD student, I noticed he was mumbling, not ranting.
Jacqueline Kennedy, CC BY-NC-ND
Overall, my findings highlight the potential of lakes and rivers to enhance people's physical and mental health. Diary entries show that participants strongly appreciated the Scottish freshwater environment and consistently felt that they experienced health-promoting advantages akin to leisure and improved concentration levels.
The feeling of fresh air and the meditative flow of water created a way of escape from on a regular basis concerns for a lot of participants. Interestingly, despite the timing of the project adapting to changing public health policies, Covid was mentioned in just two diary entries. Another study found that due to the pandemic Increase in appreciation of inland waterways.
Jim Easton
Many participants had an emotional connection to the freshwater environment they visited commonly. This helped create a way of belonging. However, this emotional attachment also meant that diehards could possibly be adversely affected by climate change.
Litter, agricultural pollution and logging commonly contribute to negative freshwater experiences. Investing within the care and maintenance of freshwater environments has the potential to have far-reaching advantages, each when it comes to public health outcomes in addition to levels of biodiversity.
Journaling also proved to boost the restorative effect of visiting Scottish inland waters, as one person wrote: “This diary has been really helpful in charting my progress and patterns, so I can I can put it on myself!”
