Woods rich in the sights, sounds and smells of nature can be a “prescription” for wellbeing – but there are major disparities in being able to access them, a study shows.

Some 90% of 10,000 people questioned for a study backed by the Woodland Trust agreed that woodland biodiversity has a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Researchers from the University of Kent who conducted the study said a rich variety of wildlife and sensory experiences they deliver for visitors, from birdsong to the colours in a wood, the sounds of the wind in the trees and even the feeling of the ground underfoot, were critical to boosting wellbeing.