NATURAL REMEDY

AS the UK battles a mental health epidemic, we believe nature connection has never mattered more.

- HAMZA YASSIN and HILARY MCGRADY

We've both seen first-hand how nature can transform lives.

Whether through filming Hamza's Hidden Wild Isles or working with communities across the country, we have heard countless stories of people who have found solace, joy and connection in the natural world.

This series on BBC One and iPlayer - co-produced by the National Trust and The Open University - is not just a love letter to nature's beauty. It is a timely reminder that nature is a healer.

When the filming team visited places like Morecambe Bay and the residential streets of Leeds, residents would light up talking about swifts or wading birds.

In the same breath, they would share how nature helped them cope with anxiety or isolation.

It brought neighbours together, sparked conversations and created a sense of belonging.

We may know instinctively that being in nature makes us feel better, but the science backs this up too.