At Trees for Cities, we see first-hand how some of the simplest actions, like spending time around thriving trees and nature, can have a meaningful impact on our wellbeing.

This year's theme, ‘Action’, is a reminder that even small moments can help us feel more hopeful, connected, and empowered. This could be taking a walk to admire your local trees, visiting a nearby park, or volunteering at one of our community planting days.

Here are just a few ways urban trees can support our mental health and wellbeing, brought to life through the words of volunteers at planting days kindly supported by the Bupa Foundation.

Trees create calm in a busy world

Urban life rarely slows down, but trees can help us pause. Time spent in green spaces can help reduce stress and restore a sense of calm, and many our volunteers feel that shift straight away.

And these aren’t abstract feelings; they’re immediate, lived experiences. Urban trees offer a simple but powerful natural reset button, helping people step out of stress and into a calmer state of mind.

Trees bring people together

Connection is one of the cornerstones of good mental wellbeing, and nature and trees can help with this. Whether it’s planting side by side, or simply sharing a moment outdoors, trees can help people find common ground — literally!

At a time when feelings of loneliness and isolation are on the rise in the UK, these sorts of shared experiences in nature offer something deeply valuable: genuine human connection, rooted in community and care for the environment.

Trees can boost mental clarity and connectedness to nature

Spending time amongst trees isn’t just refreshing; it can help shift our mindset. Being in and around nature is closely linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and greater mental clarity. 

We also see this reflected in our own data, with nature connectedness (Nature Connection Index) scores demonstrating increases after our events. Even a singular experience like tree planting can deepen our relationship with nature and in turn support better mental health.

Mean Nature Connection Index scores in adults increased from 70.8 to 75.2 after a Trees for Cities event (sample of 1084-1460 volunteers at our events in 2024/25).

Trees provide purpose and hope 

Supporting trees and championing nature can give people a powerful sense of purpose. Planting or caring for a tree may feel like a simple act, but it represents something much bigger: growth, legacy, and a hope-filled future.

For many, it isn’t just about the environment; it’s about hope. Especially in uncertain times, taking small, positive action can really help restore a sense of optimism and meaning.

Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers directly in the video below ⬇️