As Autumn fades and winter settles in, many people notice a shift not just in the weather but in their mood too. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal patter. It is estimated that around two million people in the UK are affected by SAD each year.

Even for people who don’t suffer from SAD, the winter months can be a challenging time with little daylight and colder temperatures. Research has shown that spending time in nature can have positive impacts on mental health. For Jesmond residents, Jesmond Dene offers a sanctuary for from city life. Despite the Dene’s popularity in summer it is also a valuable asset for Jesmond residents to improve their mood during the winter months.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

SAD is also sometimes referred to as “winter depression”, although some people do experience SAD in the reverse, experiencing more severe symptoms during the summer.

According to the NHS website, symptoms of SAD can include persistent low mood, loss of pleasure and interest in everyday activities and feelings of despair and loneliness that follow a seasonal pattern. It isn’t known what exactly causes SAD but it has been theorised that a lack of sunlight in winter months may prevent the hypothalamus (the bran’s control centre which regulates vital bodily functions) from working properly, producing too much melatonin, lower levels of serotonin and impacting the body’s internal clock.

Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene is a wooded valley located between Jesmond, Heaton and South Gosforth stretching over three kilometres. According to the Friends of Jesmond Dene, it was created 300 million years ago when the delta receded leaving behind deposits of sediment which were compounded to form the shale and sandstone layer present in the Dene today. In the 1850s Lord Armstrong brought up large areas of the valley and enclosed and transformed it into the parkland it is today. Friends of Jesmond Dene member Yvonne Shannon told JesmondLocal: “Jesmond Dene was given by the Deed of Gift to the people of Newcastle in 1883 by William Armstrong and was officially opened in 1884.”

Shannon added, “during the Victorian era parks began to be seen as important spaces to promote good health for the community- working people from factories, mines and quarries needed to be out in clean air.”

Today, Jesmond Dene offers a green space for local residents and an area for people to connect with nature. The Dene had multiple walks and trails, as well as amenities such as a visitor centre and café. As Winter closes in Jesmond Dene can offer an oasis for people struggling with feeling low or anxious in the Winter months.

Local resident Annabel Padgett told JesmondLocal, “having Jesmond Dene basically on my door step is great, as much as I love living in a city, sometimes I just want to escape from the busyness of it. Jesmond Dene is definitely a place I can go when feeling stressed or a bit down, being around nature definitely makes me feel more calm.”

Padgett added: “nature generally lifts my mood and being able to find that close to a city is nice. I would encourage people who live in Jesmond to explore Jesmond Dene even in the colder months.”

Similarly, resident Mark Hields told JesmondLocal, “I visit Jesmond Dene often. It is very peaceful, especially in Winter. The light through the trees at this time of year is also beautiful.”

According to the Mental Health Organisation (MHO), “Our relationship with nature- how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings- is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.” Research from the MHO found that 73% of UK adults surveyed in a YouGov poll said that connecting with nature has been important in terms of managing their mental health in the pandemic. Furthermore, 65% of people agreed that they experience positive emotions from being in nature such as calm, joy, excitement and wonder.

Research from King’s College London, found that environments with larger numbers of natural features, such as trees, birds, plants and waterways, were associated with greater mental wellbeing. Bird watching guides suggest Jesmond Dene is home to kingfishers, blue tits, coal tits and collared doves amongst other species of birds, as well as numerous species of trees.

Within Jesmond Dene there are two nature trails which visitors can complete which have been mapped out by The Friends of Jesmond Dene. The Northern route passes the Old Mill and waterfall, with the Southern route passing Pets’ corner and Armstrong Bridge. Access to the maps for the nature trails can be found here.

Pets’ Corner

In addition to providing a green space for Jesmond residents, Jesmond Dene is also home to pets’ corner. Research from Rethink has found that contact with animals can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Watch the video below of interview in pet’s corner volunteer Amy:

Pets’ Corner can be found within Jesmond Dene next to the visitor centre. Anyone can come and visit the animals but it is asked that you do not feed the animals. Entry to Pets’ Corner is free, however the site does rely on donations. Pets’ corner is open 10:30am to 4pm everyday, with last entry at 3:45pm. The area is closed bank holidays and all opening hours may be subject to change.

Have you ever visited Jesmond Dene? Let us know in the comments below your favourite part of Jesmond Dene.