Innovative Nature Project Inspired by Japan Proven to Improve Wellbeing The results showed improved sleep and reduced loneliness, helping participants feel more connected, even during the pandemic; 94% agreed with the statement ‘being connected to nature brings me joy’ after taking part. The idea was inspired by the Japanese ancient natural calendar. Unlike our traditional four seasons, in ancient Japan they divided the year into 72 micro seasons, each lasting around five days, presenting a poetic journey in which the land awakens and blooms with life and activity before returning to winter. Pendle’s Kirsty Rose Parker came up with the idea after talking to Cathy Hopley, who is Programme Manager at the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme.
An innovative project around Pendle Hill, 72 Seasons, has improved the wellbeing of hundreds of people who took part, by enhancing their connection to nature.
T
he project began in March 2019, with 310 people taking part during 2020, volunteering 3,564 hours. The results showed their improved wellbeing led to 579 fewer GP visits in 2020, saving £17,370 to the NHS.
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LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
Kirsty said: “I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, so was seeking ways to make it manageable. I was talking to Cathy about how walking and nature makes you feel better, but we’d got so busy with life, we’d forgotten to prioritise it. When I heard about the concept of 72 Seasons, I thought maybe I could translate the idea to the Pendle landscape, and break the winter into manageable chunks.” In Japan, short poetic descriptions describe each season. In March ‘Caterpillars become butterflies’, and in May, ‘Frogs start singing’.
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