Nature Changed My Life: Steve’s Story and the Rise of Woodland Wellbeing

Steve Court never imagined a woodland could change his life. After decades in high-pressure roles, from serving in the Army and French Foreign Legion to managing health and safety during the COVID-19 crisis, the weight of trauma and stress became unbearable. Overworked, unhappy, and struggling with his health, Steve knew something had to change.

That change came in the form of a woodland on the Isle of Wight.

“Buying the woodland was the turning point. Now, at 62, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” Nestled in his wood, Steve has found peace in the quiet rhythm of nature. He’s picked up new skills, restored his physical health, and even made unlikely companions of the squirrels that now eat from his hand. “This place has given me more than I ever imagined. It hasn’t just improved my life, it’s saved it.”

Steve’s story is far from unique.

According to Ruth Feltham, Regional Manager at Woodlands.co.uk, Steve’s transformation echoes the experiences of many others who have found solace in nature. “We’ve helped so many people find their own space in the woods,” says Ruth. “The feedback is always the same. Being in a woodland makes you feel better. Whether it’s for mental health, learning new skills, or simply having a peaceful escape, it offers something you just can’t put a price on.”

Woodlands.co.uk, the UK’s leading organisation supporting small woodland ownership, has been making this dream accessible for over 35 years. By bringing to market woods of a size which are manageable by an individual or a family, usually between 4 and 10 acres, they’ve enabled thousands of individuals and families to create personal sanctuaries across the country.

Studies consistently show that time spent in woodland significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. A Japanese study of 585 young adults found that just 15 minutes of forest walking reduced anxiety, fatigue and depressive symptoms. Trees common to UK woodlands such as oak, beech, and pine also emit organic compounds called phytoncides, which have been shown to boost the immune system and lower stress hormones.

In the UK, “green social prescribing” is being increasingly adopted by the NHS, encouraging nature-based interventions as part of mental health treatment plans. One government-backed programme involving over 8,000 participants saw significant improvements in happiness, life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, all for roughly half the cost of conventional therapy.

Projects across the UK are demonstrating these benefits in action. In Cornwall, the Healing by Nature initiative transformed woodland next to Liskeard’s Community Hospital into a therapeutic space. In Devon, patients at Langdon Hospital take part in tree planting and biodiversity restoration as part of their recovery.

Steve says, “I used to wake up dreading the day ahead. Now, I open my eyes to birdsong and go to bed smelling of woodsmoke and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m not just coping anymore, I’m thriving. I’ve found my calm, my confidence and a deep joy I didn’t know was missing.”

As pressures from modern life mount, reconnecting with nature is proving to be more than a luxury. For people like Steve, and for countless others who’ve made the leap with support from Woodlands.co.uk, the woods are more than a place to escape. They’re a place to heal.

If you would like to find out more about Woodlands.co.uk or speak to Steve Court or Ruth Feltham for exclusive comments, please do get in touch.

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Editors notes

Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable, Woodlands.co.uk offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education, Woodlands.co.uk empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.