WHILE out walking with my dogs I noticed how the leaves on the trees are starting to change colour from green to the rich colours of autumn – red, orange and gold. I also found myself listening to and really enjoying the birdsong.

This made me think about what are known as the five pathways to nature connection which are identified as the following:

•Senses: It is important to slow down and be really aware of the nature around you, for example, the colours of the leaves or the texture of the surfaces you are walking on

•Beauty of nature: Take time when you are outside, or looking out the window, to really look at the scene in front of you, such as looking at mosses or lichens growing on a wall or a tree

•Emotion: How do you feel being out in nature? Take time to savour what you’ve seen and feeling part of the nature around you

•Meaning: What does nature mean to you? Have you got a natural place that means something special to you and why is it special?

•Compassion: Increasing our awareness of, and connection to, nature can motivate us to care more about the environment. This could, for example, include putting up a bird feeder.

There has been a lot written lately about how being in touch with the sounds of nature can help our mental health and improve our concentration. Author Steven Lovatt says that this is because the memories of listening to birdsong takes us back to a time when we were more carefree and had more leisuretime to listen to birds. A recent survey by South West Rail found that those listening to nature sounds were 35 per cent less stressed and 32 per cent less nervous.

So, when you are next out for walk, take a little time to try the steps above and, in particular, listening to birdsong. It won’t necessarily cost you anything but a little time and could well improve your mental health.

More information on the five pathways to nature connection is available at www.mindfulenhance.org

Lesley Pallett, Zenara Therapeutics