Good Nature

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Good Nature written and read by Kathy Willis.

‘Should be mandatory reading ... A superb book’ CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN
‘Fascinating, comprehensive and highly convincing’ OBSERVER
‘I defy anyone to read this book and not embrace a life with plants!’ ISABELLA TREE

We know the benefits of eating your greens, or getting your ‘five a day’. But what about the other ways that nature can help us lead healthier – and happier – lives?

In this revolutionary book, Professor Kathy Willis reveals the surprising science behind the natural world and how we can harness its benefits to improve our health: whether it’s gardening with your bare hands to boost your gut microbiome; letting the scent of roses make you a calmer and safer driver; or tuning into birdsong to help reduce stress, and even pain.

With applications for everything from which way we walk to work to choosing where our kids go to school, Good Nature brings the latest scientific research into our homes and workplaces, showing us how we can have better, happier, healthier and longer lives.

Critics Review

Filled with practical tips, showing how increasing our exposure to plants by even small amounts can make a significant difference
Guardian
This lucid and entertaining book presents compelling scientific evidence that proves what many of us have perhaps long suspected: nature is really good for us. I found it revelatory
Richard Deverell, Director of Kew
Should be mandatory reading for teachers, clinicians and basically everyone else. What a superb book, marshalling together all of the evidence needed to make a case for more nature everywhere, for nature in all policies
Chris van Tulleken
We’ve all understood for years that spending time in nature makes us feel better. This brilliant and important book lays out the ground-breaking science behind the feeling. A critical tool arguing for us all to have access to diverse green spaces
Rosie Boycott, author of OUR FARM
Good Nature is a game-changer – the book that proves how living with plants transforms our lives. Beautifully written, masterfully explained, Kathy Willis reveals the cutting-edge science behind the power of flora to heal and sustain us – from forests to the humble house plant. I defy anyone to read this book and not embrace a life with plants!
Isabella Tree, author of WILDING
Loved it. It should be required reading for … anybody who values their health. Her engaging writing can’t help but change the way we look at the world and I will be astonished if any reader doesn’t change at least some habits to take advantage of the fascinating benefits she so clearly outlines
John Cherry, founder of Groundswell
Kathy Willis argues in this revealing, optimistic book [that] “science backs up our instincts” about the benefits of interacting with the natural world . . . As this lucid, readable book shows, in many cases, “The prescription is NATURE”
Daily Mail
Illuminating . . . Willis produces a fascinating, comprehensive and highly convincing argument
Observer
The Japanese concept of forest bathing isn’t simply a spiritual practice, according to Willis, an Oxford University biodiversity professor who shows that different kinds of contact with plants can affect humans in measurable ways. Maintaining a front garden might increase your mental health; looking at green spaces can raise academic performance. The author hopes for more studies and more data. There’s already enough to inspire you to stop and smell the roses
Los Angeles Times
Fascinating
English Garden
Willis, a professor of biodiversity at the University of Oxford, incorporates stimulating research results in her presentation of how sensory interaction with plants benefits our well-being. Willis’ passion for plants and advocacy for our ‘green senses’ bloom throughout the book
Booklist
Paleoecologist Kathy Willis explores the surprising physiological and psychological benefits of plants on human health in her entertaining, absorbing Good Nature
BookPage
Readers don’t have to know anything about plants or have a green thumb to enjoy this title about nature therapy and the impact it can have on one’s health. City planners and public health policy makers can benefit from reading this book as well
Library Journal
Exposure to nature, and plants in particular, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system, among other benefits, according to this eye-opening survey. Willis offers pragmatic recommendations on how to take advantage of the research findings, suggesting that while 'incorporating real elements of nature such as wood and plants into our homes' provides the strongest boost to physical and mental well-being, images or recordings of natural settings can be used when that’s not practical. This fascinates
Publishers Weekly

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Clear simple book. Science well presented along with its limitations. Enjoyable to listen to. Plenty of things to think about. Convincing. Definitely worth the read.
hallwiton 02/02/2025

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