Outdoor minutes

Parks, beaches, woods and canal paths all count. Here is your week in green and blue space, and what it would take to reach 120 minutes.

Your details

Green and blue space this week

95 min

25 minutes short of 120 a week

From your usual visits75 min (3 x 25)
Extra (a weekend walk, the allotment)20 min
Daily average14 min
To reach 120 a weekadd 25 min, or 1 more visit like your usual

In a study of nearly 20,000 people in England, those with at least 120 minutes in nature a week were more likely to report good health and wellbeing, and it did not matter whether that came in one long visit or several short ones. Parks, beaches, woods and even a tree lined canal path all count.

The working

3 trips of 25 minutes plus 20 extra

Three 25 minute trips make 75 minutes, plus 20 more from a weekend stroll is 95 minutes a week, about 14 a day. That is 25 minutes short of 120, so one more trip like your usual gets you there.

Where 120 comes from

A study of nearly 20,000 people

In a 2019 study of people in England, those who spent at least 120 minutes a week in nature were more likely to report good health and high wellbeing than those who spent none. The benefit levelled off at around 200 to 300 minutes, and it did not matter how the time was split up.

Easy ways to add minutes

No hiking boots needed

Eat lunch on a bench in the park
Take the route home that passes trees or water
A weekend walk with a friend counts twice: nature and connection
Sit in the garden or by an open window with a cuppa

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Prove cause and effectThe study found a link; people who feel well may also get out more.
Count indoor exerciseA gym session is great for you, but this is about time in nature.
Replace helpNature can lift mood, but it is not a treatment on its own for low mood or anxiety.

Questions

Common questions

How much time in nature do I need?

A 2019 study found 120 minutes a week was the point where people were more likely to report good health and wellbeing, with the benefit levelling off at 200 to 300 minutes.

Does it have to be in one go?

No. In the study it made no difference whether the 120 minutes came in one long visit or several shorter ones.

Does my garden count?

The study counted trips out to natural places rather than time in your own garden, but time in the garden still gets you outside and into daylight, so it is well worth having.

Does walking the dog count?

Yes, if it is in a park, wood, beach or similar. It is also activity towards your 150 minutes a week.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

If things feel heavy

You do not have to wait until things are bad to talk to someone. Your GP can help, or you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies. Samaritans on 116 123 are free, day or night, you can text SHOUT to 85258, and for urgent help call NHS 111 and choose option 2. Call 999 if you or someone else is in danger right now.