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BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Music meets nature in Surrey care home study
A care home has appointed a 'Musician-in-Residence' in a pioneering study exploring how outdoor music-making can benefit older people and those with at the Huntington & Langham Estate in Hindhead, Surrey, enjoy outdoor activities from music scholar Stuart Wood as part of the project examines how music and nature together can boost wellbeing, social connection, and emotional expression in care Wood said he hoped to understand how playing music outdoors "can foster social connection, emotional expression, and overall health in later life." The NHS says music in a care setting can help "reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, is helpful at the end of life, enhances quality of life and has a positive impact on carers".It is also acknowledged that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on the cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing of older people. Mr Wood's project explores how outdoors music can further enhance social connection, uplift mood, and support mental and physical health within care home communities. The study will form part of his Visiting Research Fellowship at Bath Spa University's School of Music and Performing will also share insights from this project with music students and post-graduate Wood said: "What we don't know is what happens when you bring together playing percussion and doing that outdoors, so this project is asking that question."Sarah Chapman, the director of Huntington & Langham Estate, said she was "curious about the possibilities and the benefits of combining music and nature".Findings from this week-long pilot study may inform a larger, international research project planned for later this year, with results expected to be published in 2026.
The Independent
27-06-2025
- The Independent
Home of ‘Devil's Punch bowl' in Surrey declared national nature reserve
A Surrey landscape which is home to lizards and an area known as the Devil's Punch bowl has been designated a national nature reserve. Natural England, which advises the Government on the environment, announced the creation of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve on Friday. This means the 2,766-hectare landscape has been marked out as an area of focus for conservation and nature restoration efforts. The landscape boasts a rich mix of habitats, including acidic grassland, regenerating woodland and heath – making it a haven for rare species such as sand lizards, nightjars, adders and natterjack toads. The reserve is also home to the Devil's Punch bowl – a natural amphitheatre in the heathlands near Hindhead, which is said to have been formed when the Devil scooped up earth to throw at Thor. It inspired literary figures such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who wrote Flower In The Crannied Wall in Waggoners Well. The new reserve, which is on the doorsteps of more than 250,000 people, combines the existing Thursley National Nature Reserve with 2,440 hectares of partner-managed land – of which 1,784 hectares are designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Nature minister Mary Creagh said: 'This new reserve offers wonderful opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and spot rare wildlife in a place which has been a source of cultural inspiration for centuries. 'This Government is committed to turning the tide on nature's decline after years of neglect.' Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said: 'The beautiful atmospheric landscape has had a huge influence in culture over the centuries, from folklore to poetry. 'Its new status as a national nature reserve will ensure future generations continue to be inspired. 'There is a wealth of species here, many of which are very rare, and efforts to maintain the vital habitats in this area will help these plants and animals to thrive again.' Features such as the Thursley Common Boardwalk, which was named 'Britain's Favourite Path' by the Ramblers Association, mean the area remains a popular destination, especially given its fast connections to London. It has also benefited from Government funding for restoring the heathlands and connecting them with special habitats found in the western-most section of the Surrey Hills National Landscape. While heathland habitats are important carbon sinks and biodiversity, they have declined by around 80% in England in the last two centuries. As a national nature reserve, the area's heathlands will be the focus of further protection and conservation efforts. The launch of the reserve marks the ninth to be declared as part of the King's Series, which aims to create or extend 25 national nature reserves by 2027. It comes as part of wider Government efforts to boost the UK's environment, as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. This new reserve is a collaboration between nine partners; Natural England, RSPB, National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Hampton Estate, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council and Forestry England, with further support from the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
