New Forest Campaign Promotes Wellbeing Through Nature
The For-Rest initiative by the New Forest National Park Authority encourages outdoor activities for mental and physical health.
By Natalie Osborne
••3 min read
AI
A serene landscape of the New Forest National Park in autumn.
The New Forest National Park Authority has launched the 'For-Rest' campaign to encourage people to improve their health and wellbeing by spending time outdoors, coinciding with World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2026.
A new campaign, 'For-Rest', has been launched by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) to highlight the benefits of spending time in nature for health and wellbeing. Kicking off on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2026, the initiative aims to connect people with opportunities within the New Forest.
The NPA promotes the New Forest National Park as an ideal location for nature connection due to its largely flat terrain, diverse landscapes including forest and coast, and over 100 miles of walking and cycling routes. The campaign aims to signpost individuals to simple activities that support their wellbeing.
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"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 serves as a reminder of the importance of good mental health and how it can be prioritised in our lives and communities, encouraging open conversations and listening.
Highlights of the 'For-Rest' campaign include a two-week walking festival featuring over 30 guided walks, the launch of a ‘Green Health Hub’ to highlight outdoor activities that health professionals can prescribe, volunteering opportunities, and PEDALL inclusive cycling rides for those with additional support needs. Simple tips for connecting with nature will also be promoted on the NPA's social media channels.
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"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."
Further details about the campaign can be found at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/for-rest.
The Adults’ People and Nature Survey for England, conducted by Natural England, found 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, and 89% agreed it was good for their mental health.
