How living near nature can benefit your health

When it comes to finding the perfect home, location matters. Many of us choose properties for their proximity to urban environments with useful amenities. But, for the biggest positive effect on your health,wellbeing and stress levels, access to nature is a crucial – and often overlooked – factor.

We’ve all experienced the peace and serenity that comes from gazing out across open fields or taking a springtime woodland walk with your family. However, the health benefits of living nearby nature are considerably more wide-reaching – outdoor activities are just the beginning.

At Brookworth Homes, we continually prioritise proximity to nature, building close to green spaces and weaving natural features into the way our developments are designed. From Warren Grove, moments from the Ashdown Forrest, to multiple developments in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we close the gap between the built environment and everything nature has to offer.

The big benefits of living near nature

Good health is about balance: looking at your wellbeing holistically and nurturing every part. It’s only when you’re able to promote good physical, mental, and social health that you truly feel at your best—and time in nature helps with all three.

The impact of nature on your physical health

According to data from Endure24, 73% of people prefer exercising outdoors compared to heading to a gym. It’s only natural that living closer to nature lends itself to an increased amount of exercise, from long walks to cycling and jogging.

However, it’s not just the quantity of exercise that increases—it’s the quality, too. A 2013 study from the University of Essex showed that, with visual stimulation and fresh air, the perception of effort during exercise was lower when people were outdoors. That means increased stamina and a tendency to run or walk for longer, supporting good cardiovascular health.

In addition to positive mental health outcomes, connectedness with nature also improves resilience and underlying health. Green infrastructure like trees and other vegetation lead to increased air quality and may have a positive effect on respiratory health. Research also suggests that spending time in natural environments can have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-asthmatic effects, as well as enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays a key role in immunity.

Promoting good wellbeing and mental health

Physical health naturally promotes a healthy mind, but the natural world also offers a great deal of support for good mental health and wellbeing. Studies show that just 15 minutes outdoors can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone, while increasing mood-boosting serotonin and dopamine levels.

In 2024, a  review of randomised trials found a significant link between nature and reduced anxiety levels. These mental health benefits also correlated with associated physical health improvements, like lowered blood pressure.

Of course, these benefits of the great outdoors also spill into the time you spend inside. At Brookworth, we consciously design homes for ample natural light, with details like low-profile window frames and bifold rear doors to help you bring the outdoor environment in. By designing for natural light, we create relaxed, natural spaces that help bring the restorative benefits of nature into your home.

The social and communal effect of nature

Finally, there’s no overstating the relationship between greenspace and creating stronger connections through memorable outdoor activities. With woodland or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on your doorstep, it’s easier to avoid social isolation, bringing everyone together for a family walk or a relaxed picnic.

Popular outdoor spaces like walking trails are also important shared spaces where you can encounter other people from your local community—a must-have in an increasingly work-from-home world where many of us feel isolated at home. Stepping outside leads to community cohesion with the people around you, in turn supporting better mental health and wellbeing. In fact, data from the Mental Health Foundation highlights strong associations between nature exposure, social cohesion and improved mental well-being.

Get closer to nature with Brookworth Homes

At Brookworth Homes, we always consider the wide variety of local amenities before we decide to build a development—not just nearby towns and supermarkets, but also fast access to the great outdoors. We combine high-quality design and spacious homes with a close connection to nature, giving you the best of both worlds.

Warren Grove, Crowborough

Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, Warren Grove offers modern living just moments from the Ashdown Forest, home to Winnie-the-Pooh. Complementing the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s the ideal base for days out exploring the ancient woodland.

Skylarks, Rottingdean

Our Skylarks development is adjacent to the Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve: a haven for local wildlife that’s renowned for its butterfly species. The reserve is also home to rare species of plants including field fleawort, man orchid and round-headed rampion.

The Vale, Burgess Hill

Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding woodland, The Vale sits on the edge of the South Downs National Park. The entire development offers ample green space, while the Sussex woodland is the perfect place for a relaxed walk or picnic among the trees.

Maresfield, Uckfield

Our upcoming development in Uckfield, East Sussex, is on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Beauty. One of the UK’s most densely wooded landscapes, the Weald is home to numerous walking paths and trails to explore.

Braeburns, Welford on Avon

In one the most picturesque villages in the West Midlands, our upcoming Braeburns development on the River Avon brings you closer to country life. The entire community comes together for nature-based events throughout the year, from the Bradford on Avon Duck Race to the charity Dragon Boat Race.

Explore our developments, designed for wellbeing

Living close to nature improves physical health, overall wellbeing, and happiness. And choosing a Brookworth home means you get a calming, elegant experience, whether you’re heading out to explore or taking in peaceful views from your windows.

Explore our developments to learn more about how we bring green space into every new community we create.