WWF and People’s Postcode Lottery are working together to help improve the mental wellbeing of Manchester residents, allowing them to step out of the shops and straight into a scintillating nature scape.

On Thursday 24 October, people travelling through Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre can pause and take a moment of calm in WWF’s multisensory ‘Forest Den’.

Amid the hustle and bustle of its city-centre location, this immersive capsule will allow members of the public to venture inside an enchanting oasis – a low-lit space littered with leaves – where they’ll settle into cosy seating and tranquil surround sounds straight from the Bornean rainforest.

New research from WWF [1] reveals that more than half of England’s northwest population would like to spend more time in nature, a vast 87% recognising the positive impact nature has on their mental health.

Across the UK more broadly, people list spending time in nature as the top thing they do to lift their mood, surpassing activities such as listening to music, watching TV or a film, and speaking to a friend or family member.

This one-day pop-up coincides with the launch of WWF’s ‘A Prescription for Nature’ campaign, which highlights the positive effects spending time in nature has on mental health.

Thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, this unique experience is open to all ages, welcoming families, stressed shoppers, and anyone in need of a break from the
urban rush. Visitors will have the chance to take home a limited-edition animal plush toy and are invited to enter a competition where two lucky winners will each receive a £250 voucher to spend at WWF’s online shop, courtesy of People’s Postcode Lottery.

The ‘Forest Den’ is part of WWF’s UK-wide initiative to bring the restorative power of the natural world to the heart of cities including London (15 October), Cardiff (17 October), Birmingham
(22 October), Manchester (24 October) and Edinburgh (29 October).

Step inside – take a break, a breath, and reconnect, with yourself and with the world’s precious remaining forests.

Holly McKinlay, Director of Strategic Communications and Brand at WWF, said:
“With the rapid pace and relentless demands of modern life, it’s so important we take moments to reconnect with nature for the profound impact it has on our mental wellbeing.
Our pop-up forest den offers people a simple yet powerful way to pause and take a refresh at any moment in their day, right in the heart of the city. Thanks to our partners at People’s Postcode Lottery, those who otherwise might not be able to on an ordinary
day, can access the benefits of a pop-up pocket of nature. It’s also a reminder of how vital it is we protect and restore our natural spaces, just as they help restore our own health.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said:
“Spending time in nature has an undeniable, uplifting effect on our mental health, and it’s crucial that more people experience this. I am delighted that, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, WWF have been able to bring the calming
presence of nature to the centre of Birmingham with the Forest Den. It offers a unique opportunity for residents to take a moment to pause in a bustling city, whilst also reminding us of the vital role our forests play.”