Nature & nurture: Simple ways to feel good outdoors

Nature as a remedy

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental clarity. In winter, these benefits are just as powerful, perhaps even more so. The quiet stillness of a frosty woodland walk or the simple joy of spotting a robin in your garden can offer moments of calm and connection in an otherwise hectic season.

Embracing the season

Rather than resisting winter, embracing its rhythms can be deeply restorative. Wrap up warm and explore your local green spaces, even if just for a short stroll. Notice the subtle beauty of bare branches, the crunch of frost underfoot, or the low golden light of a winter sunset. These sensory experiences can ground us and lift our spirits.

Winter walks to reconnect

Winter is the perfect time to explore familiar places in a new light. Here are some stunning Welsh walks that offer peace, beauty, and a chance to spot seasonal wildlife:

• Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path – Moelfre to Lligwy Beach
  Follow dramatic clifftop paths with sweeping views over the Irish Sea, passing historic lifeboat stations and quiet coves. This peaceful stretch of the Anglesey Coastal Path offers fresh sea air, winter light, and a sense of solitude - perfect for reconnecting with nature and boosting wellbeing.

• Chirk Castle Estate, Wrexham
  Explore 480 acres of historic parkland and ancient woodland. The Old Golf Walk offers panoramic views and a chance to see veteran trees and possibly deer.

• Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
  A haven for wintering birds like wigeon, teal, lapwing, and even peregrine falcons. Accessible paths and bird hides make this a perfect spot for peaceful wildlife watching.

• Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula
  This coastal gem combines beach, dunes, and woodland. In winter, look for wildfowl, bitterns, and water rails, and enjoy the sight of wild ponies grazing the dunes.

• Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
  For those seeking a more invigorating hike, Pen y Fan offers a winter climb with breathtaking views. On clear days, the snow-dusted peaks and frosty valleys are unforgettable

• Erddig Parkland, Wrexham
  A gentle riverside walk through historic parkland, featuring waterfalls, ancient trees, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for families or a quiet solo stroll.

Creating cosy nature moments

Not every connection with nature needs to happen outdoors. Bring the season inside by decorating with natural materials such as pinecones, holly, or evergreen branches. Try nature journaling by a window, or simply take a mindful moment to watch birds at a feeder. These small rituals can help maintain a sense of calm and continuity through the darker months.

Helping wildlife helps us too

Supporting local wildlife in winter by feeding birds, creating shelter for hedgehogs, or leaving parts of your garden wild can be a powerful way to feel part of something bigger. It’s a reminder that we’re not separate from nature but deeply connected to it.

The gift of slowing down

Winter invites us to rest and reflect. It’s a time to recharge, to notice the world in its quieter state, and to prepare for the renewal of spring. By aligning with nature’s pace, we can find balance and resilience in our own lives.

This winter, let nature be your sanctuary. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a moment of stillness under the stars, or simply noticing the frost on your windowpane every connection counts.

Find out more about nature in winter, or check out our biodiversity and nature page for more stories.