Just Add Nature

by Rebecca Frank

Supported by the National Trust
The latest medical and scientific research that shows connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing
Easy, small ways to feel the benefits, wherever you are

This inspirational and informative guide shows how we can all benefit from spending more time in nature. Drawing on the latest research, it shows you don’t need to live in the countryside or have access to an abundance of green space to make valuable connections with the natural world around you. Often it’s the simple pleasures – like eating seasonally, identifying wild flowers, listening to birdsong, being close to water or nurturing a houseplant – that bring the greatest reward.

Around the world, doctors have been experimenting with ‘prescribing' nature to help patients' wellbeing, and this book does just that. It can help you whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life or just want to explore ways to slow down and truly appreciate the world around you.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

Published April 11, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Just Add Nature, by Rebecca Frank, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I think we take for granted, nature that is all around us. This is a very good read.

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Add Nature – How to boost your health and happiness, wherever you live by Rebecca Frank is an illustrated, inspirational and informative little book that was a pleasure to read. Just Add Nature does exactly what it says on the tin: it discusses just how vital nature in all its shapes and sizes is for our physical and mental wellbeing. I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, not in any kind of adventurous manner, I’m no Bear Grylls by anyone’s standards, but I do love spending as much time outdoors as I can, and in recent years, I have become an avid gardener and birdwatcher as well as a houseplant mum and a hen herder. No one needs to convince me of the power of nature, but Just Add Nature was a lovely confirmation for me, and a lot of my feelings translated into words. In that way, I think many people who already enjoy nature will love this book, and all the fun little facts and tips it offers. For people seeking to (re)connect with nature and/or city dwellers who think nature is unattainable, or anyone, really, who is looking for a way to slow down and infuse their life with a feeling of calm, Just Add Nature will prove a veritable treasure, I’m sure.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, inspiring look at the ways nature can benefit us -- both physically and mentally. The book offers a myriad of suggestions for how to interact with nature in refreshing ways. There's sure to be a section that will appeal to people of all different personalities and interests. It was a relaxing and encouraging read!

Thanks to Netgalley and Collins Reference for this digital review copy.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. It is a nice format, with beautiful illustrations and a gentle writing style that balances science and observation to explain its points.

The only thing missing (and which makes it a 4.5 rather than a 5) is references to the studies that are mentioned.

The key message is that by integrating nature into our daily lives, whether through simple walks, mindful observations, or community activism, we can enhance our physical and mental health, foster creativity, and build more resilient and compassionate communities. Nature is not just a backdrop to our lives but an essential component of our overall well-being, deserving of our care and attention.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Just Add Nature, by Rebecca Frank, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I think we take for granted, nature that is all around us. This is a very good read.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of: Just Add Nature by Rebecca Frank (seems to be under Nature Prescriptions here).

Just add nature. I feel like this is a motto that can be applied to a lot of situations! Nature is a natural mood lifter and a simple walk surrounded by nature can do wonders to lift your spirit.

I loved the premise of this book and I feel like it’ll be a great read for all and any. Even as a huge nature lover myself, I learnt a lot from this book and also the realisation that I could be implementing a lot more to get more out of my natural world.

Connecting with nature is something I think we all need to do, and even if you’re already a lover of the great outdoors, there’s always more to learn. This book holds a treasure trove of helpful knowledge and hints to help you not only get out into nature more, but how to be more present and get more out of your time outdoors.

Even if you don’t live in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty, there is still beauty to be found in the corners of where you live. There’s a fantastic chapter on urban living, nature and wildlife which detailed all sorts of ways you could still get your daily beneficial quota of the natural environment.

The fact that it was also filled with scientific evidence and references to studies carried out was brilliant as well. And the artwork and illustrations are just stunning and really added to the lovely reading experience of reading the book.

It was a fantastically written book and one that I’d find essential to have on my bookshelf.

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an engaging and informative book that helps shine a light on the positive impacts that Nature can have on your mental health and wellbeing.

The book has a really easy feel about it that means you can dip in and out and take on board different bits of advice and ideas of ways to help boost how you are feeling, alongside the research that backs up the benefits of getting to spend time amongst nature.

The overall message is one of slowing down and taking time to notice - easier said than done! - and it's full of practical tips that cover a wide range of topics relating to the outdoors and nature so there really is something for everyone, no matter what your background or circumstances. It covers aspects such as gardening, feeding wildlife, meditation, walking - and is also very well aware that not everybody has a garden so shows that nature can be found in the smallest areas and those local to you, as well as the impact of having indoor plants too!

Teaching people that just 20 minutes outdoors a day can boost your mental wellbeing, it is really easy to follow and I like the advice too of how you can help nature as well as helping yourself! By using journalling, a sketchbook, photography - to name but a few - alongside the addition of bright colourful images, I found this a book that's aware of the impact it can have on readers of all ages. You can follow the suggestions yourself or get those younger members of your family involved too by looking for nature in your nearby surroundings, be that a nature reserve, a park or even just a churchyard.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I really enjoyed this book. I am always open to new ways to get in touch with, or closer to nature and there are lots of great ideas in here, such as journaling in nature, container gardening, and the 54321 technique. I appreciated the section on nature activism to help inspire those who read it into doing more to protect the nature around them and combat climate change such as making the countryside more inclusive, reducing food waste, planting more flowers and trees, and saving water. I also loved the illustrations throughout with them being simple but beautiful just like nature itself.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and thoughtful about how nature can help us to improve our health.
Easy to follow, full of food for thought.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It’s one you can pick up and put down when you need inspiration, and it’s written nicely too. It has given me a few tips and thoughts of things I haven’t tried and I am sure I will come back to it again.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this.

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful little hard backed book is enough to lift anyone's spirits. Full of stunning colourful illustrations it is a pleasure to flick through.

We have known for some time that being close to nature is good for our well being, but in this book we are shown how to make it happen in a variety of circumstances and how science backs this up. Many of the scientific claims are sourced by experts and data from research, but it is the practical elements that make this book worth buying.

There are five sections: Getting Closer to Nature, Nature as Therapy, Urban Nature, Nature Activism and Nature and Creativity - so a broad and modern take on nature for the average person living in Britain today. Broken down into subsections makes it easy to drop into just to enjoy focused snippets and advice. A strong feature is the Urban Nature chapter that demonstrates that nature is everywhere if you look for it. Churchyards, city animals, canals and council planting are 'hidden gems' when it comes to nature. Very informative and welcoming.

This is an enjoyable read. Alongside the artwork, the information is easy to read with lots of boxes, checklists and bullet points. Ideas on how to bring nature indoors and to create sensory gardens as well as simple observation and nature mindfulness. Plus the gentle green headers, page numbers and borders are very apt. The whole experience is calming and enlightening, totally uplifting and encourages folk to take five minutes out of their schedules to listen to birdsong or the rain.

I highly recommend anyone to have this book to hand. Keep it on your desk or in the kitchen or somewhere where you can always reach it quickly.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Just Add Nature is an engaging and uplifting monograph on the positive benefits of nature and the outdoors by Rebecca Frank. Released 11th April 2024 in the UK and due out elsewhere 18th June from National Trust Books, it's 176 pages and is/will be available in hardcover format.

There are many proven benefits to being outdoors, from stress relief to boosted immune system and mental and physical health. The author does a really good job of showing readers how to incorporate more contact with nature wherever they are and in do-able degrees.

The author makes no presuppositions about readers' lifestyles or situations. There are chapters covering urban and suburban areas, so readers who don't live in a nature preserve will still be able to glean benefits from their local surroundings. The author has a positive, calm, upbeat style of writing and is never hectoring or strident.

Four and a half stars. It's a very calming and gently written book. Highly recommended to readers looking to incorporate more nature into their lives as well as enjoying some stress relief.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Add Nature is packed full of useful tips and information on how to bring more nature into our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found to have so many ideas both big and small to help everyone to enjoy the natural world around them and to improve their health and wellbeing. There is something for everyone here, whether you live in the countryside or in the middle of a big city, there is nature all around if you only care to stop for a moment and look and listen. The book encourages everyone to spend just 20 minutes a day outside to feel the benefits that time with nature can give us.
I loved all the tips that the author gives about helping improve the environment, little ways that both adults and children can participate in. I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their mental health and learn to be more aware of their surroundings.

[Kristina the Book Forager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wouldn't it be lovely if this book were sent to every single person who suffers from loneliness? I couldn't shake the feeling of how beneficial it would be for someone who has lost the sense of self and is in need of finding solace and confidence in life. The book "Just Add Nature" has been truly wonderful. Its advice on how to step out of your home comfort and enjoy the great outdoors has been brilliant, and it also provides an opportunity to combat mental health issues. I highly recommend this book; it can be a great gift for someone who might need just the right nudge! Thanks to Rebecca Frank and NetGalley for this soulful read. I loved it!

[Jenny H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wellness through nature. Rebecca Frank guides us through the health benefits of immersing yourself in nature, from simply watching the birds in your garden to taking a long walk. Even if you're a townie with no garden, you could benefit by helping an elderly neighbour with theirs. She covers many topics including mindfulness and the benefits of being near water, be it a lake, river or ocean. As she says 'Time you enjoy wasting is never wasted time'. The little botanical illustrations between chapters are beautiful. They really add to the delight of reading this book, which you could go back to time and time again.

[Angela DT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Add,Nature by Rebecca Frank

The latest medical and scientific research that shows connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing
Easy, small ways to feel the benefits, wherever you are
A beautifully illustrated, inspirational and informative book

The above says to all really , a great book for nature lovers , it proves in ways you might not realise that getting outside , in all seasons , and all weathers can improve many areas of your life including mental health.
This book would also make a perfect gift.

[Odette Lattimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for th advanced copy in exchange for a review.
What an absolutely beautiful book, this book was an absolute pleasure to read. I love nature and live in a village surrounding my fields and lots of different birds and wild animals and you learn something new everyday. This book has helped me in many ways already so I will be definitely purchasing a physical copy.

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight this book is. We all know that getting out into nature is good for our overall health but this wonderful book shows us how to utilise the time in nature better. I loved it.