Countryfile’s James Wong on A-Listers “Grounding” trend and whether Brits are ready to embrace going barefoot in nature

Muddy Toes & Celebrity Woes: While 58% of Brits haven’t recently squished mud between their toes, a daring 8% are diving feet-first into the muck every week! And guess what? They’re in good company with A-listers like Gwyneth, Emma Watson, and Liam Hemsworth, who are all raving about the trendy “grounding” experience.
· Digital Daze: In our tech-savvy isle, a whopping 13% of us can’t recall our last dirt date. Maybe it’s time to trade our touchscreens for some touch-soil action. Ready to reconnect from fingertips to… toe-tips?

· Green Thumbs, Where Art Thou? Nearly 24% of us haven’t witnessed the magic of a sprouting seed at home, despite the mood-lifting marvels of nurturing nature. Time to sow some joy!

· Outdoor Outliers: We’re all clued up on the perks of park picnics and garden gallivants, but life’s hurdles like cash crunches, daunting deadlines, and stress storms often rain on our parade.

· Meet the Plant Whisperer: Dive into the green world with TV Presenter and Ethnobiologist James Wong, a familiar face from “Countryfile.” Join him on a journey to discover how embracing the great outdoors might just be the mood booster we’ve all been yearning for!

Walking barefoot might seem like the latest quirky trend, with A-listers from Hollywood to our very own British shores swearing by its mood-boosting benefits. But is it something us Brits would dare to do? New research suggests we might be missing out on a free and fun way to lift our spirits!

If it’s good enough for Gwyneth, it could be good enough for us. Or is getting down and dirty in the mud just not very… British?

But here’s where it gets muddy (literally): 58% can’t recall the last time they went barefoot in soil or mud. Yet, there’s a cheeky 8% who, like their A-list counterparts, swear by this earthy ritual, indulging in it weekly.

Why? Because being barefoot in nature, often referred to as “earthing” or “grounding,” connects us directly to the Earth’s natural electric charge, helping to promote calmness, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep.

In an age where we’re more connected digitally than ever, it seems many of us have lost touch with the earth – quite literally. A surprising 13% of Brits can’t recall the last time their fingers grazed soil. Even more startling, 23% admit they haven’t felt the earthy texture in the past month.

For 8%, it’s been an entire year since they’ve connected with the ground beneath them, and a bewildering 12% are completely in the dark, having no recollection of when they last touched soil. It’s a gentle reminder that perhaps it’s time to reconnect with nature and feel the world at our fingertips.

But what’s interesting is when asked about soil the majority think positive things – groundedness and stability (22%), source of life (35%), vitality (41%)… But maybe just not for us?

Recent findings show that a significant 47% of Brits report feeling negative or very negative. 76% say they wish they could improve it but have barriers – 41% feel their pockets aren’t deep enough, while 39% are at a loss on how to uplift their spirits.

But nature is free to most of us, right?

It’s surprising to note that 23.9% of Brits have never experienced the simple joy of watching something grow. Whether it’s in their garden, on a sunlit terrace, or even a sprig of basil on a kitchen windowsill, they’re missing out. Beyond the satisfaction of nurturing life, there’s a wealth of health benefits tied to interacting with soil. From the therapeutic touch to the calming scent, soil offers a natural remedy for the stresses of modern life. It’s high time we Brits rolled up our sleeves and got our hands (and feet) a little dirty in the name of feeling better!

The data from Yeo Valley Organic, who, in collaboration with the renowned James Wong, is here to spill the beans (or should we say, the soil?) on some easy and simple steps to elevate those spirits. Did you know that 51.5% of Brits already know that spending a good chunk of time outdoors will unintentionally boost their mood? Yet, we aren’t reaping these rewards.

Soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a living, breathing entity. Here’s why it’s fantastic for us:

· Carbon Sequestration: Soil acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
· Supports Biodiversity: Soil is home to a vast array of organisms, from bacteria and fungi to insects and small mammals. This biodiversity is crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.
· Filtration: Soil filters water, removing pollutants and providing clean water sources.
· Nutrient Cycling: Soil microbes break down organic matter, releasing essential nutrients that plants need to grow.
· Medicinal Resources: Many of the antibiotics and other medicines we use today are derived from soil microbes.
· Mental Health: Gardening and farming can be therapeutic. Interacting with soil can reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
· Physical Health: Activities that involve soil, like gardening, can be a form of exercise and can improve physical health.
· Food Production: The majority of the world’s food is grown in soil. Healthy soil is essential for food security.

On top of this, here is why being out in nature is good for us:

Benefits of Being Out in Nature:

· Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature can reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.
· Improved Mood: Nature can help alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger.
· Enhanced Creativity: Nature can boost creativity and problem-solving skills.
· Improved Concentration: Exposure to nature can improve focus and concentration, a phenomenon known as the “restorative effect.”
· Vitamin D Production: Sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
· Physical Activity: Being outdoors often involves physical activities like walking, hiking, or cycling, which can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
· Improved Immune Function: Regular exposure to nature can boost the immune system, making you less susceptible to diseases.
· Enhanced Social Interaction: Outdoor activities often involve social interactions, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
· Connection to the Environment: Spending time in nature fosters a deeper connection to the environment, making people more likely to engage in conservation efforts.
· Reduced Mental Fatigue: Nature can help rejuvenate the mind, reducing mental fatigue and improving cognitive function.

For those who might not be ready to dip their toes into the mud, there’s another comforting remedy. A delightful 45% of Brits agree that their mood takes a turn for the better after a glass of milk. And as the nights draw in, 27% find solace in a warm, comforting cup of milk. It’s the simple pleasures, right?

Whether you’re diving feet-first into the grounding world of gardening, taking a barefoot stroll, or sipping on a creamy glass of milk, there’s a world of natural mood boosters right at our fingertips (or toes!). Let’s embrace the outdoors, get a little dirty, and most importantly, have fun doing it!

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS

· Can you tell me about this research?
· What do you think about this new celeb trend of grounding? Is there any merit to it?
· How do you respond to skeptics of the “grounding” trend?
· You want people to know about the magic of soil and think it is much overlooked, why?
· So getting serious, how does gardening and green spaces influence our mood, mental health and wellbeing?
· How can parents introduce their children to the joys of gardening?
· What are the top three plants you’d recommend for beginners to grow at home?
· What advice would you give to someone feeling disconnected from nature?
· Where can we go for more information?

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT HOME? TIPS FROM JAMES

· Grow houseplants to bring the benefits of green space indoors, improving air quality and enhancing your indoor living environment, which is especially important as we spend a significant amount of time indoors.

· Schedule regular visits to local parks, gardens, or nature reserves, and engage in activities like walking, jogging, or yoga to immerse yourself in green spaces and reap the benefits of being in nature.

· Practice mindfulness or meditation in natural settings to enhance your mental well-being, and use all your senses to fully experience the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of nature.

· Start a small garden at home or join community gardening projects to connect with the earth, learn about native plants, and support local ecosystems.

· Practice composting, learn about soil conservation techniques, and participate in tree planting events to improve soil health and prevent erosion.

· Attend workshops or classes on gardening, composting, or soil conservation, and read books or watch documentaries to expand your knowledge about the importance of soil health.

· Teach children about the importance of soil and how they can help protect it to foster a sense of responsibility and connection to the earth from a young age.

· Support local farmers and businesses that use sustainable practices, advocate for policies that protect green spaces, and educate others about the benefits of spending time in nature.

· Go bird watching or look for other wildlife in your local green spaces, and use apps or field guides to help identify plants and animals.

· Keep a journal to document your experiences in nature, reflecting on how these experiences contribute to your well-being.

· Volunteer for local conservation projects, participate in clean-up events, and offer your time to help maintain community gardens or green spaces.

· Use natural materials to create art or crafts, and share your nature-inspired creations with others to spread awareness about the beauty of the natural world.

· Learn about edible plants and mushrooms in your area, go foraging for wild food, and use your foraged items to create meals or preserves.

· Visit sensory gardens or create a sensory garden at home to engage all five senses and use these spaces as a tool for relaxation and stress reduction.

· Take online courses or attend workshops on ecology, botany, or soil science, and join nature-based learning communities or groups in your area.

· Explore ecotherapy practices, seek the guidance of a trained ecotherapist, and use ecotherapy techniques to address specific mental health concerns or as a general well-being practice.

BIOS
James Wong: Ethnobotanist, TV Presenter, and Garden Designer Extraordinaire

James Wong is a British ethnobotanist celebrated for his deep-rooted passion for plants and their relationship with human culture. With a multicultural upbringing, having been raised in Singapore and Malaysia to a Bornean father and a Welsh mother, James brings a unique global perspective to his work.

Educationally, James boasts an impressive background. After initially studying Business Administration at the University of Bath, he pursued his true passion, training at the esteemed Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the University of Kent. Here, he achieved a Master of Science degree in ethnobotany, graduating with distinction.

James is best recognized for his award-winning television series “Grow Your Own Drugs,” which showcased natural remedies sourced from plants. This series, along with its festive special “Grow Your Own Christmas,” set records, making James a household name in the UK gardening scene. His books, which accompany the series, have achieved international best-seller status, with “Homegrown Revolution” becoming the fastest-selling gardening book in UK history.

Beyond this, James has been a regular face on BBC One’s “Countryfile” and a voice on BBC Radio 4’s “Gardeners’ Question Time.” His design prowess is evident through his four-time Royal Horticultural Society medal wins for gardens he co-designed via Amphibian Designs, his design studio. Notably, James holds the title of the youngest-ever medal-winning designer at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

His contributions to academia include designing an Ethnobotanical Garden for the University of Kent, where he also serves as a guest lecturer. James’s research endeavors have led him on expeditions to places like highland Ecuador, China, and Java.

In recent years, James presented episodes of “Great British Garden Revival,” which won Best Television Programme of the Year at the 2014 Garden Media Awards. He also penned a weekly column in The Observer until 2023.

Currently residing in central London, James Wong continues to inspire with his vast knowledge, passion for nature, and commitment to bringing the wonders of the plant world to the public.