Silent trails deepen connection to nature, UBC research suggests

Does walking successful implicit soundlessness connected a wood way assistance radical consciousness much connected to nature?

New probe from the University of British Columbia suggests the reply is yes.

That’s according to survey responses collected done the “Silent Trails” project.

The inaugural saw signage installed designating “silent” areas connected 2 Lower Mainland trails: 1 successful Pacific Spirit Regional Park astatine UBC and 1 successful the Campbell Valley Regional Park successful Langley. Researchers chose softer walking paths to minimize sound and restricted bicycles.

People who walked the trails were directed to a survey wherever they could connection feedback connected the experience.

“Silent trails assistance sphere earthy soundscapes, trim accent and enactment wildlife communication,” said UBC PhD campaigner Tara Brown, a forestry pupil and wood therapy usher who is starring the survey successful collaboration with Metro Vancouver.

“They connection radical and animals peaceful spaces amidst the sound of modern life.”

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Initial survey responses recovered that 78 per cent of process users felt an enhanced quality to perceive quality sounds specified arsenic rustling leaves oregon birdsong. Seventy-three per cent said their accent usage was little than connected regular trails.

Participants rated the Campbell Valley way arsenic 96 per cent “quiet,” portion those connected the Pacific Spirit way rated it 89-per cent quiet.

Brown said affirmative aboriginal results enactment expanding entree to nature-focused trails, wherever bid and earthy acoustics are prioritized.

The Silent Trails task runs until the extremity of the year.