Trees: good for you and the birds

This Sunday is National Tree Day and another glorious winter day, so it’s a great time to go outside and appreciate the trees growing in our gardens and neighbourhood parks.

While you’re there, take note of the birds you see, and how being outside makes you feel generally – because studies tell us that growing urbanisation is impacting both.

A recent study published in Science Direct has revealed a drastic reduction in the variety of bird species in densely urbanised neighbourhoods throughout Europe. This is borne out by results of a decade of results in the Great Aussie Bird Count, which continues to highlight a prevalence of Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Miners, Magpies and the White Ibis. To find other species – particularly smaller birds such as Wagtails, Wrens, Honeyeaters – we need to go walking in bushland areas.

In another study published in the Greater Good Magazine, it was found that participants who stared up at a grove of huge, awe-inspiring eucalyptus trees for just one minute were more likely to demonstrate ‘helpful’ and generous behaviours than those who spent the same amount of time gazing up at a tall building.

The reason, the researchers explained, is that awe produces ‘a reduced sense of self-importance relative to something larger and more powerful that they felt connected to’.

Nature has overwhelmingly been shown to reduce stress, with yet another study showing that just 10 minutes’ spent outside in a natural environment results in a significant reduction in blood pressure and an improvement in mental health and wellbeing.

Published by Planet Ark in 2016, the report ‘Adding Trees – A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment’ examined the benefits time in nature has for five areas of life that Australians consider the most important for achieving a fulfilling life – health, happiness, learning, relaxation and relationships.

The research illustrated that nature has medically and scientifically beneficial effects that enable people to grow healthier, happier, brighter, calmer and closer. When people experience positive emotions and interactions in important areas of their everyday lives, they are significantly more likely to feel that their life has value, meaning and fulfilment.

In particular, time outside in natural environments was found to be important for young people, with 60 per cent of teens feeling brain ‘burnout’ from constant connectivity of social media. The research showed students who take part in outdoor learning programs perform better, with 77 per cent of teachers reporting student improvement in standardised tests.

So if these studies have convinced you that you need more trees in your life, maybe you could join with a local tree-planting group, pick up a free giveaway seedling or learn about native landscapes at a workshop, some of the activities offered at various locations around the country this weekend. Events are listed on the Planet Ark website.

If you can’t get out on the day, there are still many ways to get involved at home - plant a tree in your garden, or even just start a vegetable patch, compost or worm farm.

Bring some green to your garden to attract birds and other pollinators. Native trees and shrubs are best; they not only need very little maintenance but many will flower all year round.

Many Australian native plants flower freely in winter, and that’s good news not just for gardening enthusiasts, but also for wildlife looking for food over the colder months. Having plants in your garden that provide food and shelter for local birds and animals can result in a better environment for both them and you.

A visit to your local nursery should help you choose plants that will be beneficial to both your family and the native birdlife in your neighbourhood.

Image: PlanetArk