North Carolina State study links green spaces and birdsong to better mental health

Researchers at North Carolina State University conducted an experiment comparing participants’ emotional responses in a reclaimed nature trail versus a busy urban street. Participants wore noise‑cancelling headphones that played either birdsong or traffic noise, with the setting and sound randomized.

The results showed that sitting in the natural environment while hearing birdsong produced the greatest improvements in positive mood, reduced negative emotions, lowered stress and higher feelings of restorativeness. The opposite combination—urban setting with traffic noise—produced the worst outcomes, while mismatched pairings yielded moderate effects. Lead author Professor Nils Peterson said the findings demonstrate that both visual and auditory aspects of nature work together to support mental well‑being and suggest that cities could improve residents’ health by adding green spaces and natural soundscapes.