Why Places Matter to People Research Report

Why places matter to people Research report

Visitors at the 2018 Kite Festival at Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, County Londonderry ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey Contents

I. Foreword 5

II. Executive summary 6

III. Background 10

IV. Results 14

V. Conclusion 32

VI. Appendix 34

2 3 I. Foreward

I. Foreword

In 1895, the National Trust was founded by Octavia Hill, Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley. They set out with the aim of preserving our nation’s heritage and open spaces for everyone to enjoy forever, based on their belief of the value of these places for fulling a human need in us all. ‘The need of quiet, the need of air, and I believe the sight of sky and of things growing, seem human needs, common to all.’

Octavia Hill, 1888

124 years since it was founded, National Trust memberships are at an all-time high, so it seems that the benefit of places to people is just as important today as it was in 1895. What are the places that make us feel we belong? Why does this relationship exist between people and places? And what are the benefits of having these deep-rooted emotional connections with a place? These are all questions to which we aim to find answers in this report. Visitors at Corfe Castle, Dorset Working with leading researchers at Walnut Unlimited, we have ©National Trust Images/John Millar looked at the importance of people having a deep connection to a ‘special place’, and how that influences the factors that have been proven to influence wellbeing: to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and to give.

The findings of this research reflect Octavia’s words, reinforcing the universal need for special places and the importance they play in people’s lives. People make places, and places make people, and the National Trust’s work ensures these places are there for everyone to connect with and enjoy for years to come.

Christina Finlay, National Trust Director of Insight and Data

4 5 II. Executive summary II. Executive Summarysummary

This research report follows up on the research II. Executive summary commissioned by the National Trust in 2017 and published as ‘Places That Make Us’. Using brain scanning techniques it found that places which are meaningful to us and hold special importance generate a significant response in areas of the brain most commonly associated with emotions: demonstrating the strong emotional connection between people and places. The research also identified that people connect with their meaningful place in three key ways; connections to the past, connections to significant others and connections to the here and now. But this research left a question hanging - how do these connections affect us as people?

To help answer this, we commissioned this new from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) research in March 2019, conducted by Walnut personal wellbeing questions (ONS, 2018) as well Unlimited, which tells us that those who say that as statements designed to capture aspects of the they have a deep connection to a particular place New Economics Foundation’s Five Ways to report higher levels of wellbeing and life Wellbeing. These measures formed part of our satisfaction. quantitative research, where we asked respondents a series of questions to determine the Our 2019 research began with a literature review extent to which special places may have an impact to explore existing research used to understand on our wellbeing. the benefits of natural and cultural spaces to people. This informed our quantitative research In our research, we asked participants if they have a conducted online with a nationally representative ‘special place’; by this we mean that we asked them sample of over 2,000 adults from the UK. to think about a place that they feel they have a strong connection with and is important to them. With wellbeing encompassing both physical and This could be a specific geographical area or a mental health factors, we looked to capture both specific location, but we specified it should be aspects in our research. Following our literature somewhere outside of their own home but within the review, we then looked to understand people’s UK. With their special place in mind, we asked a general state of wellbeing, incorporating measures separate series of questions to explore a limited number of benefits and feelings evoked by this place.

Canoeing on Tumbleton Lake at Cragside, Northumberland ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey 7 II. Executive summary II. Executive summary

From this latest quantitative research, it suggests that there is a link between having a deep-rooted People with a special The top 10 things people feel, do, or notice when emotional connection to a place and having a better sense of wellbeing: place also reported visiting their special place, which all make-up the

On average, people with a connection to a special an increase in Five Ways to Wellbeing: place have significantly higher: experiencing Happiness 6.63 vs.6.25 out of 10 elements that make up the Five Ways to Life satisfaction 6.60 vs.6.12 out of 10 Wellbeing: 1 I take time to notice what’s 6 I am physically active (56%) Feeling their life is worthwhile connecting to others, around me e.g. beautiful scenery, 6.83 vs.6.26 out of 10 art (77%) 7 I have good relationships with being active, taking others e.g. friends and family compared to those that don’t have a connection to 2 I get outside and enjoy fresh air/ (47%) a special place. notice, keep learning, and giving to others nature (74%) Q1. Feelings towards general aspects of life. ONS personal 8 It gives me the opportunity to wellbeing questions. Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All and society. 3 I take time to notice what I am have new experiences (43%) respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those without a special place (n=870). Walnut Unlimited, March 2019 feeling e.g. happiness, loneliness, at peace (66%) 9 It gives me the opportunity to learn something new (31%) 4 I take time to be in the moment – I am a person who tries to be 10 I give my time or talents to help mindful (64%) others (18%)

5 I feel inspired (61%)

Q9. Please can you tell us if you feel each of these more, less, or about the same compared to how you feel generally .... Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those without a special place (n=870). Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

Not only do places evoke strong positive emotional For those without a special place, however, over a experiences for people in the moment when visiting quarter (26%) state there is nowhere near where special places, this research also suggests that there they live that is ‘special’, highlighting the need for is a link between having these strong emotional organisations like the National Trust to explore how connections to places and having higher overall to help people build their connections to local places. personal wellbeing in life generally. Q11. How likely do you feel it is that the place that is meaningful to you will always be there? For 82% of people, they find it likely that their Q12. If the place that is meaningful to you no longer existed, how special place will always be there, and if it were to would this affect your wellbeing? disappear or change, 69% say that it would affect Q17. Do any of these factors hamper you in having a special place? them in a negative way. Base. Those without a special place (n=870) Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

Visitors at Ickworth, Suffolk ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra 8 9 II.III. Executive Background Summary

The ‘Places That Make Us’ (2017) research III. Background commissioned by the National Trust showed that places which are meaningful to us and hold special significance, generate a significant response in areas of the brain most commonly associated with emotions: demonstrating the strong emotional connection between people and places. This was the first experiment of its kind to understand the depths of people’s neurophysiological connection with place.

In 2019, the National Trust asked Walnut Unlimited to conduct further research to explore the connections people have with places, and how these places are intrinsically linked to heightened wellbeing.

Wellbeing has been defined as a ‘dynamic state in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community (All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing, 2017). It has two main elements: feeling good and functioning well in the world around us. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. It refers to a person’s spirit and their prevailing mood and attitudes but equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life, and having a sense of purpose are all important Visitors canoeing at Attingham Park, Shropshire attributes of wellbeing. ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Visitors in the garden at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey 11 III. Background III. Background

There are various models which look to define the Research has shown that there are associated components of wellbeing. One of the most widely links between wellbeing and being in nature, To build on the previous used is the New Economics Foundation, Five Ways to particularly with regards to physical health Wellbeing (https://neweconomics.org/2008/10/ (Lovell, R. 2016 & 2017) and that even brief research conducted by five-ways-to-wellbeing-the-evidence which) was contact with nature can have positive effects on commissioned by the Government’s Foresight our wellbeing (Neil, Gerard & Arbuthnott, 2018). the National Trust and project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing in 2008 Similarly, evidence suggests that significant to develop a set of evidence-based actions to associations exist between historic sites and to explore the purpose improve personal wellbeing. The five components museums and indicators of wellbeing e.g. higher of wellbeing they identified are; to connect, be life satisfaction (Leadbetter & O’Connor, 2013). of the relationship active, take notice, keep learning and to give. Take notice In a recent study it was also found that people between people and Be curious, take notice of the world around you. were found to be happier in more scenic locations, Take notice of your feelings and savour the including both natural and built up areas (Seresinhe, places we set out to moment. Reflect on your experiences and take a Preis, MacKerron & Moat, 2019) indicating the moment to appreciate what inspires you. importance of the aesthetics of environments for understand the benefits supporting our everyday wellbeing. of having deep-rooted Limited existing research has shown that connections to meaningful places has numerous connections to a place psychological and emotional benefits for people (K.M. Korpela & Ylen, 2009; Scannel & Gifford, from a personal Connect with 2017) but little is known about the benefits of having these deep-rooted connections to specific places wellbeing perspective. people around you and in the context of The Five Ways to Wellbeing. Investing time and building connections with others will support and enrich you every day. Keep learning

Find your personal creative outlet. Rediscover an old interest or learn something new.

Be active By doing some physical activity such as going for a walk, a run, playing a game or simply tending to a garden. Exercise keeps you healthy and makes you feel good. Give Thank someone or do something nice for a stranger. Volunteer your time. Looking out as well as in can be incredibly rewarding for yourself and your community.

Visitors in the Long Gallery at Osterley Park and House, London ©National Trust Images/John Millar/Arnhel de Serra ©National Trust Images/Rob Stothard 12 13 IV. Results

The relationship between having a special place IV. Results and personal wellbeing

To understand if there is a specific link between having a special place and people’s enduring sense of wellbeing, we asked people a series of questions about perceptions of their personal wellbeing before they were asked any questions related to their ‘special place’. Replicating the four personal wellbeing questions used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2018) we found that those with a special place score significantly higher on three of the four measures about life satisfaction, happiness and feeling that what they do in their life is worthwhile (see figure 1).

General wellbeing 6.39 about life satisfaction, 6.60 worthwhile, happiness 6.12 and anxiety Satisfaction 6.58 - Mean Score out of 10 6.83 Overall 6.26 Worthwhile Have a special place

No special place 6.47 6.63

6.25

Happiness

(figure 1) 4.48 4.59 Q1. Feelings towards general aspects of life. ONS personal wellbeing questions. Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All respondents N=2002. 4.35 Those with a special place (n=1132) Those without a special place (n=870). Anxiety Visitor taking in the view of Badgers Bowl at Winkworth Aboretum, Surrey ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler 15 IV. Results IV. Results

On other measures related to wellbeing, we also found those Extent you agree that 6.3 with a special place score significantly higher across wellbeing you generally feel/do 6.66 5.85 measures which make-up the Five Ways to Wellbeing (see each of the following… Look for opportunities to have new experiences figures 2 and 3). - Mean Score out of 10 6.29

6.61 Overall Extent you agree that 7.54 5.89 Have a special place you generally feel/do 7.85 Take time to be in the moment 7.14 No special place each of the following… 5.98 Good relationships with others - Mean Score out of 10 6.34 7.05 5.51 7.42 Overall I give my time to help others 6.56

Have a special place Get outside and enjoy fresh air / nature 5.93 No special place 6.38 7.09 5.35 7.47 I donate to charitable causes 6.6

I take time to notice what’s around me 5.74

6.04 6.73 5.35 7.09 I feel inspired 6.28 Look for opportunities to keep learning 4.71

6.42 4.58

6.73 4.89 I often feel lonely 6.02 I take time to notice what I am feeling (figure 2) (figure 3) 6.15 Q2.Please tell us to what extent you agree that you generally feel/do Q2.Please tell us to what extent you agree that you generally feel/do each of the following .... Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All 6.42 each of the following .... Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those without a special place (n=870). 5.8 without a special place (n=870).

Walnut Unlimited, March 2019 I am physically active Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

16 17 IV. Results IV. Results

Special places don’t stop us from experiencing These results suggest difficult emotional states that there is a link between having a deep-rooted Having a special place does not So, while those with a special place are just as likely emotional make people less likely to to experience these states as those without a special place and in some cases more so, they may connection with a experience difficult emotional be better able to cope with and manage them to states such as stress, fatigue, reduce the negative impact they can create, as seen place and having loneliness, anxiety (see figure 1) or in the associations with higher general wellbeing (see figures 1, 2 and 3). higher wellbeing. loneliness (see figure 4) compared to those without a connection to a special place (see figure 4).

Visitors in the garden at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire. ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

View of The Parterre from the terrace at Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler 18 19 IV. Results IV. Results

Extent you agree that 5.3 Experiencing special places you generally feel/do 5.37 each of the following… 5.22 I feel undue stress - Mean Score out of 10 5.37 We asked our nationally representative sample of Overall 5.3 adults; Is there a place in the UK that is meaningful to you or that you have a strong connection to? For Mountains and hills 5.46 example, a wood, beach or a particular building? Have a special place From this we found that 56% of people have a place Outdoor I feel fatigued by life Sports that is special to them and that they have a strong countryside Garden stadiums No special place connection with, whilst 44% report not having a place place that is special to them. Of these places, they tended to be outdoors (58%) e.g. coastlines and beaches (23%), woodland and farm land (10%) Towns and villages (figure 4) mountains and hills (9%), A park (8%), rivers and Q2.Please tell us to what extent you agree that you generally feel/ lakes (7%), and a further 1% gave an outdoor do each of the following .... Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All countryside place. respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those Coastlines without a special place (n=870). This was followed by 23% having a connection

with urban locations such as seaside towns and and beaches A park Walnut Unlimited, March 2019 resort, (13%) other towns and villages, (4%) homes of family members, and sports stadiums (1%). A further 15% of people claimed to have a Rivers and lakes special place that is an historic building (12%) or garden (3%). The word cloud shown below (diagram1) shows the range of different types of Woodland places people described as their special place. and farm land Overall, how anxious 4.48 do you generally feel 4.59 Historic building Homes of family members each day? 4.35 Overall Towns and villages

Overall (diagram 1) Have a special place Q5. What is the name of the place that is meaningful to you? Base. Those with a special place (n=1132) No special place Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

(figure 5) Q1. Overall, how anxious do you generally feel each day? Mean Score (Out of 10) Base. All respondents N=2002. Those with a special place (n=1132) Those without a special place (n=870).

Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

20 21 IV. Results IV. Results

On visiting their special place many emotional Feelings experienced experiences are evoked impacting on attitudes, Each of these suggest mood, sense of self, and spirit (see figure 6). The when visiting their majority have positive emotional experiences, that special places feeling happiness (63%) and calmness (61%). special place Furthermore, over one third of people also help people to feel experience feeling a sense of belonging (38%) when they visit their special place, being grounded and - % transported to a meaningful time (37%), feeling Happy 63% safe and secure (36%), and connected to others connected to (34%). Each of these suggest that special places 61% help people to feel grounded and connected to themselves as well Calm themselves as well as others. as others. Like I belong 38%

Transports back to a meaningful time 37%

Safe and secure 36%

Connected to others 34%

Invigorated 30%

Connected to important people from past/present 28%

Inspired 27%

It gives me perspective 27%

Aware of my own identity / being 23%

Connected to my country 21%

Awe-struck 15%

Connected to my community 14% A family exploring the gardens at Red House, Kent ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra Creative 12%

(figure 6)

Q8. When you visit the place that is meaningful to you, which of the following describe what you experience by going to this place? Base. Those with a special place (n=1132). Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

22 23 IV. Results IV. Results

This feeling of belonging and security also came In one interview, the respondent spoke about The March 2019 research conversely shows, those through in the 2018 interviews conducted by an “nature’s medication”, and how experiencing with a connection to historic buildings/gardens in-field content production team when respondents outdoor places that are special to them creates were more likely to say they experience feelings of described the connection they had with a particular feelings of exhilaration, accomplishment and being belonging (45%) and feeling awe-struck (24%) National Trust place important to them. They inspired by the beauty of their surroundings. when they visit their special place compared to described feeling the place is a part of them and they those with connections to outdoor places. a part of it, having a sense of ownership of the place. Q9. Please can you tell us if you feel each of these more, less or about the same compared to how you feel generally? Base. Those with a special place (n=1132). Buildings & grounds (n=165) place. Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

Experiencing special places supports people on other aspects of the Five Ways to Wellbeing as well. For example, 31% report how their special place helps them to learn new things, and a further 43% say that their special place gives them the opportunity to have new experiences more than they experience generally, which resonates with the ‘keep learning’ way to wellbeing (see figure 8). ‘It’s a deep sense of calm…you can feel your ‘It creates a sense of belonging, where people shoulders drop and feel that your breathing belong and where people enjoy coming.’ is getting deeper.’

Mal, The Gower Julie, Mount Stewart National Trust interviews 2018 National Trust interviews 2018 ©National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart/Chris Lacey ©National Trust Images/Oskar Proctor/James Dobson

Visitors paddling on the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Visitors exploring the garden at Lyme Park, Cheshire ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey 24 25 IV. Results IV. Results

From the eight interviews we heard how special Also, almost half (47%) of those with a special 31% Do you experience the places play an important role in being facilitators connection say they feel they have good 29% of activities such as photography and dancing, relationships with others when they visit this special following more, less or but also learning about people’s stories through place vs how they feel generally. This highlights the 39% historic places. role special places play in supporting relationships about the same when and feeling connected with others. 29% In our most recent research we also find that visiting your special Gives me the opportunity to learn something new people with a connection to a special place feel transported to a meaningful time in their life place (37%) when they visit their special place and feel connected to others past and present (34%) - % more 61% (Q9.Please can you tell us if you feel each of these more, less or 64% about the same compared to how you feel generally? Those with a special place (n=1132). Connection to an outdoors 72% (n=650)/Buildings & grounds (n=165)/Urban (n=259) place) Walnut Unlimited, March 2019. 50%

I feel inspired All with a special place Outdoor

Buildings and Grounds 43% 43% Urban 45%

40%

Gives me the opportunity to have new experiences

(figure 8)

Q9. Please can you tell us if you feel each of these more, less or about the same compared to how you feel generally? Base. Those with a special place (n=1132). Connection to an outdoors (n=650)/ Buildings & grounds (n=165)/Urban (n=259) place

Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

Walkers in the Ogwen Valley, Carneddau and Glyderau, Gwynedd ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra 26 27 IV. Results IV. Results

Do you 47% Growing connections between people and places experience the Good relationships following more, with others less or about the same when Improving access to ‘special’ places Just over a quarter (26%) of people without a visiting your special place feel they are prevented from having special place 18% one because ‘there is nowhere ‘special’ near where I live’ (see figure 10). Improving accessibility to a I give my time variety of places is important to help facilitate - % more these connections to make sure everyone has to help others access to somewhere that could become their special place. As is helping people to experience and appreciate ‘special’ places in their community.

(figure 9) Q9. Please can you tell us if you feel each of these more, 13% less or about the same compared to how you feel generally? Base. Those with a special place (n=1132). I donate to Walnut Unlimited, March 2019 charitable causes

With just 18% of people saying they give their time or talents to others more when at their special place compared with how much they do generally (see figure 9), the results could suggest that the relationship between special places and wellbeing is more important for self-actualised components of wellbeing, such as taking notice, being active and keep learning.

Do any of these Protecting Special Places 26% 18% This research suggests that there is an expectation factors hamper There is nowhere Cost - I cannot that special places will always be there, with 82% of ‘special’ near afford to visit these people saying they find it likely that their special you in having a place will always be there where I live sorts of places (Q11. How likely do you feel it is that the place that is meaningful to special place? you will always be there?) Walnut Unlimited, March 2019)

But if it were to disappear or change, 69% say that it would affect them in a negative way. This is even higher amongst people who are connected to a 13% 11% historic building or grounds (74%) ‘For all my happy times, my sad times, (Q12. If the place that is meaningful to you no longer existed, how Life is too busy No access to a car Gable’s been there.’ would this affect your wellbeing?) Walnut Unlimited, March 2019). Sylvia, Great Gable ©National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart/Joe Cornish

7% 6% Can’t access due Don’t feel I would to not being able fit in in that sort to get there of place

5% 4% No transport links Can’t access these sorts of places due to a disability

(figure 10)

Q17. Do any of these factors hamper you in having a special place? Base. Those without a special place (n=870)

Walnut Unlimited, March 2019

This research suggests that there is a Experiencing special places has many positive wellbeing experiences for people which relate to the V. Conclusion link between having a deep-rooted Five Ways to Wellbeing; taking notice, being active, emotional connection to a place and keeping learning, connecting to others and giving to reporting higher levels of wellbeing. others and society. This link indicates that having a special The associations between special places and place in life may be a contributing wellbeing benefits are shown to vary depending on factor to people reporting higher the type of place e.g. outdoors, historic buildings/ happiness, life satisfaction and feeling gardens and urban places. their life is worthwhile compared to This research shows the important role organisations those that don’t have a connection to like the National Trust must continue to play in a special place. protecting special places and ensuring everyone can feel the benefits these places have to offer both now and in the future.

‘Given higher levels of wellbeing reported by those who say they do have a special place, it is worth organisations like the National Trust exploring how to help people build their connections to local places. For example, 99% of the population of England and Wales live within one mile of a listed building or scheduled monument. Prompting and inspiring people to explore and learn about what is available and what could be regarded as special and cared-for in their local area may help with this – the extraordinary and inspiring may be closer than they think.’

‘The findings from this report emphasise the importance of continuing to ensure that protections like listing, scheduling, nature conservation protections, and the National Trust’s inalienability of place, make sure that special places will be cared for long into the future.’

Walnut Unlimited Dr. Andy Myers

Young family sitting on a garden bench, seen through the Moon window in the garden at Polesden Lacey, Surrey ©National Trust Images/Stuart Cox 33 VI. Appendix

VI. Appendix References 1 All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing. (2017) Creative Health: the arts for health and wellbeing inquiry report. APPG.

2 Leadbetter, C., O’Connor (2013) Healthy attendance? The impact of cultural engagement and sports participation on health and satisfaction with life in Scotland. Edinburgh: Scottish government.

3 Lovell, R. (2016) Natural England access to evidence information note EIN018. Links between natural environments and physical activity: Evidence briefing. Natural England.

4 Lovell, R. (2017) Health, wellbeing and the public park. Pers. Com.

5 National Trust (2018). Places That Make Us. https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/documents/ places-that-make-us-research-report.pdf [Accessed 27.03.2019]

6 New Economics Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing (2008) https://neweconomics. org/2008/10/five-ways-to-wellbeing-the-evidence [Accessed 27.03.2019]

7 Office for National Statistics (2018) ONS Personal Wellbeing Questions https://www.ons. gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/methodologies/ surveysusingthe4officefornationalstatisticspersonalwellbeingquestions [Accessed 27.03.2019]

8 Seresinhe, C., Preis, T., MacKerron, G. & Moat, S. (2019) Happiness is Greater in More Scenic Locations. Scientific Reports.

If you’d like this information in an alternative The National Trust is a registered format please contact 01793 817400 or email charity no. 205846. Our registered office is Heelis, Kemble Drive, [email protected] Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2NA

Visitors exploring the Hedge Maze at Speke Hall, Liverpool ©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra 35 Visitors enjoying the view of the Menai Strait from the terrace at Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Wales ©National Trust Images/John Miller