On World Environment Day, global attention turns to protecting nature for future generations. But new research suggests those younger generations need help now—and time spent in nature might be part of the solution.
A recent UK-wide survey of over 2,000 parents, commissioned by The National Lottery Community Fund, revealed an alarming insight: one in four children is battling anxiety and panic attacks. This growing mental health crisis has left many families searching for answers.
While there’s no single cure for anxiety, 43% of parents believe more exposure to the natural world could improve their children’s mental wellbeing. That belief is supported by growing evidence showing the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors.
From Isolation to Inspiration: Abby’s Story
Abby-Leigh Doig, a 24-year-old living with autism, anxiety, and depression, once struggled to leave her home, let alone speak to others. College became too overwhelming, and she dropped out.
Her turning point came through Lucky Ewe, a nature-based project supported by The National Lottery Community Fund. The program teaches young people how to care for farm animals. For Abby, working with sheep and planting trees became a lifeline. It gave her a sense of purpose and calm, helping her shift focus away from anxiety.
Now, Abby speaks to large audiences about mental health—sometimes over 200 people. She credits her transformation to her experiences in nature and the support of the community around Lucky Ewe.
A Simple Yet Powerful Solution
Mental health is complex, and no single approach will work for everyone. But access to green spaces and nature-based activities can play a valuable role in improving mental health.
That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is urging more communities to explore how nature can help. From walking in the park to launching outdoor projects, small steps can lead to meaningful change.
To support this effort, the Fund offers financial help. Its Awards for All programme provides grants from £300 to £20,000 for community projects with an environmental focus. Ideas could include forest schools, tree planting, or even teaching young people how to fix electronics instead of throwing them away.
For larger initiatives, the Climate Action Fund provides major investments—ranging from £500,000 to £1.5 million—over three to five years. These long-term grants are designed to back ambitious, community-led environmental efforts that bring lasting change.
Making an Impact Across the UK
In just the past year, the Fund has supported nearly 400 environment-focused projects with a combined £50 million in funding. The results speak for themselves:
Over 7,500 volunteers engaged
7,000 trees planted
3,000+ tonnes of food waste saved—equivalent to the weight of over 2,000 cars
Nearly 62,000 items repaired or recycled
17,000 square metres of green space restored—roughly the size of 65 tennis courts
These aren’t just numbers. They reflect a deeper impact: stronger communities, increased social bonds, and better mental health.
Nature’s Role in Healing Minds
This World Environment Day, the message is clear: spending time in nature isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for our children’s minds. Anxiety among young people is reaching new highs, but nature offers a low-cost, high-impact way to cope.
Whether it’s planting trees, picking up litter, or simply walking through a local park, connecting with the environment can help young people feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to others.
By funding more of these projects and encouraging communities to act, The National Lottery Community Fund hopes to spark a national movement—one where both people and the planet can thrive.
