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The Department of Conservation has launched a winter campaign encouraging New Zealanders to spend more time in nature while taking simple actions to support the environment.
The initiative, launched on July 1, promotes activities such as attracting native birds to gardens, trapping pests, joining beach clean-ups and picking up rubbish while out walking.
DOC Southern South Island director Aaron Fleming says the campaign encourages people to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors while giving something back to nature.
DOC has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation to promote research showing time spent in nature can support wellbeing, with the campaign highlighting the social and mental health benefits of outdoor activities.
The department is encouraging people to make small contributions in their own communities over winter while continuing to enjoy New Zealand’s parks, tracks and natural spaces.
