New research highlights the profound impact of spending time in nature on mental health, with 91% of Brits acknowledging its positive effect on their well-being. Yet, only 21% manage a weekly walk in natural surroundings, according to a study by CEWE, Europe’s leading photo company. To mark National Walking Month, CEWE has collaborated with Dr Graham Wilson, a therapeutic photography tutor at the University of Oxford, to promote the mental health benefits of combining photography with outdoor walks.
Dr Wilson explains, “Combining outdoor activities with photography can have lasting restorative impact on our mental well-being. Slowing down, focusing on the present, and storing the moment helps create a deeper emotional connection, something incredibly valuable in today’s fast-paced world.” He notes that photography encourages people to slow down and fully engage with their surroundings, which fosters mindfulness and helps transform a walk into an act of self-care. “You do not need expensive equipment, just a phone camera and a willingness to look at your surroundings,” he adds.
Photography offers benefits across all age groups. Dr Wilson points out, “From children discovering bugs and colours to teenagers finding expression without words or helping adults to process their stress and enabling older people to stay present, nature photography offers unique well-being benefits at every age.” Shared photo walks can also strengthen relationships. “Shared photo walks create opportunities for richer connections across the generations, whether it is parents and children noticing together or grandparents and grandchildren creating lasting memories.”
Dr Wilson highlights how photography provides creative autonomy and emotional strength. “The simple act of choosing what to photograph gives people a sense of control and self-expression, which is particularly valuable during difficult or uncertain times.” He adds that the photos serve as meaningful reminders. “The photos taken during our time outdoors become more than simply memories. They serve as emotional anchors and evidence of calm moments that can be revisited in the future.”
The CEWE study, conducted in 2025, surveyed a representative sample of UK adults, revealing a gap between the recognised benefits of nature and actual engagement. National Walking Month provides a timely opportunity to address this. Dr Wilson’s expertise in therapeutic photography, combined with CEWE’s commitment to accessible photography, offers practical solutions for Brits seeking to improve their mental health. Additional research from the Mental Health Foundation supports these findings, noting that regular exposure to green spaces can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Photography, as a mindful activity, encourages deliberate observation and creativity, further supporting emotional resilience. CEWE’s partnership with Dr Wilson highlights the role of community initiatives in promoting mental health through shared experiences and social connection.
