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We already enjoy looking after the wild birds that visit our gardens and green spaces, but if you’re ever looking for a reason to appreciate the wildlife on our doorstep even more, some new research, published in Landscape and Urban Planning late last year, might just be what you’re looking for.

The research was done at the University of Tübingen in Germany and used the university’s botanical gardens for the experiment. In this experiment, 233 people walked through the gardens for half an hour, and participants were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess their mental well-being. This was done both before and after their walk. The researchers also measured blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels to better understand how the walk affected their physical health. Because Cortisol is an important stress hormone, any changes would be seen within a few minutes, making it ideal for this kind of experiment.

According to reports, the scientists from the University also placed loudspeakers in the trees that played the songs of rare bird species, such as the golden oriole, tree pipit, garden warbler, and mistle thrush. The reason for adding the extra bird songs was down to the results of a previous experiment in which 100 different bird songs were played to participants, who were asked to rate which ones they liked most.

Those taking part were randomly divided into groups. Two of these groups went for a walk through the garden, with birdsong playing on loudspeakers. A further group was also asked to listen to the birdsong, with two more groups asked to walk through the garden, only listening out for natural bird songs. Another group was asked to listen to natural bird songs, and a final group served as a control group and went for a walk through the garden wearing noise-cancelling headphones.

Results showed that in all groups, including the control group, blood pressure and heart rate decreased, suggesting that the walk helped reduce physiological stress. Cortisol levels also dropped by about 33% on average. The questionnaires showed that self-reported mental well-being was higher after the walks. The groups that focused on the birdsong experienced even greater improvements in well-being. So, while a walk in nature clearly reduces stress, paying attention to birdsong enhances these benefits.

The groups that walked with loudspeakers playing birdsong did not see any greater improvements in mental and physiological well-being than the other groups, which the researchers found surprising, given that previous studies have shown that birdsong enhances well-being. Bird species diversity was also shown to further improve restoration and relaxation.

The researchers felt that one possible reason for this was that participants recognised the playback sounds as fake, either consciously or unconsciously. Another explanation might be that there is a threshold, and having more bird species singing in an area does not further improve well-being. The results, however, do indicate that a walk in nature is beneficial on its own, but the sounds of natural birdsong can further boost these wellbeing benefits, especially if you actively pay attention. You don’t even need to know much about birds to get these benefits, as the study showed. A positive effect was seen in everyone, from casual birdwatchers to bird enthusiasts.

The researchers felt that the study’s results are a good message for everyday life and that you don’t need to visit a bird-rich environment to make you happy. It seems more important to focus on the birds that are already there, listen to them and enjoy them. The results could have implications for park design, showing that the sound of birdsong—rather than the number of species living there or their rarity—is key to wellbeing.

Undoubtedly, having birds in close proximity (in your garden) is likely to be beneficial. more justification, if needed, to look after the birds in our gardens. After all, it does you good.