Exploring the Therapeutic Value of Nature in Wales

In August 2017 a trip to Abergavenny, Wales, with my family was something I expected to be no more than average. I surprised myself when I found the trip opened my eyes to more than I could of visualised beforehand. 

The week long trip consisted of plenty of exploring, climbing mountains, and adventuring around waterfalls, I documented this through my camera and learnt a lot about myself from this week I had away from home in Kent.

I found that walking and being out in the open and a natural environment was really good for my anxiety and mindset. It was something I have previously experienced enjoying when photographing landscapes as it leads me to feel calm and relaxed. I learnt on this trip how it could be good in other ways to, such as making me feel less anxious. I found exploring and climbing the mountains was so rewarding and kept me feeling motivated even when I thought I could walk no further but I knew the outcome of my images at the top of the mountains would result in being able to discover the most amazing and beautiful views.

When on this trip I soon came to realise that I wanted to shoot a series exploring the therapeutic value of nature and how this benefits people mentally as well as physically. I knew how important it was to to end the stigma around mental health and wanted to help people who suffer be introduced to new ways of escaping their feelings and problems and reaching that calmer piece of mind and that is it okay to discuss these feelings and problems with other people. I found when exploring these mountains and waterfalls that I felt different and almost relieved that I was away from everything going on back home and although I was only 4 hours away from Kent it felt so much further. The long walks and climbs were exactly what I needed for piece of mind and allowed me to be alone with my thoughts and to be within a calm and pleasant environment was more than beneficial.

I learnt what motivates me on this trip and it was being active and finding the energy to carry on when you feel as though you can go no further. It was like I was convincing myself I could not do it but then doing it at the same time and proving myself wrong and that was what felt so rewarding at the end when I got that shot at the top of the mountain.