Inequalities in access to blue coastal space: research report

4. Perceived benefits of visiting the coast

Key Points

• In line with the literature review, the benefits that participants in the qualitative research associated with visiting the coast included mental health benefits, spending time in nature, socialising with friends and family, and physical health benefits (mainly relating to being physically active or exercising).
• Reasons mentioned for visiting the coast overlapped with the perceived benefits of visiting, such as mental health, socialising and exercise, as well as learning and discovering new places.
• Participants were generally open to or enthusiastic about visiting more often. However, there were a range of barriers which could make this difficult or unappealing (outlined in detail in the next chapter).

This section explores the perceived benefits of visiting the coast, before outlining the reasons why participants visited the coast, if and when they did.

Perceived benefits of being at the coast

Participants discussed a range of benefits of visiting the coast, although they had visited it only occasionally or not at all over the past year. The positive effects on mental health was an overarching theme, and participants also mentioned benefits such as being in contact with nature, socialising with friends and family, and the physical health benefits of exercising at the coast.

These findings are in line with the literature review conducted as the first stage of this research, which found that blue spaces, and particularly coastal environments, can promote good mental health through support for subjective wellbeing and stress reduction. Participants perceived the coast as a relaxing place where they could get fresh air and 'get away' from their everyday concerns. For example, being at the coast was described as 'clearing your mind' and being 'restorative' mentally. One participant with anxiety explained that being at the coast reduced their symptoms.

"Absolutely fresh air and you feel like you are away from it all, away from your stresses and strains. [Being at the coast] makes you feel better."

(Disabled female participant, 55-64)

The perceived mental health benefits of the coast were felt to go beyond removing sources of stress, as being at the coast enables people to focus on the present, themselves, and their inner thoughts. In this sense, solitude and quietness were also considered benefits of visiting the coast, with participants noting that it encourages them to be more reflective.

"When you're at the beach it kind of reminds you of who you really are because you're just there. There's no sense of mirrors in the cafes or the shops that you constantly see; there's no need or desire to fix your hair."

(Female participant from a Black African background, 16-34)

"I get quite pent up in a lot of towns, so [visiting the coast] it is nice to get a breather and to feel like I can really get rid of my anxiety. It's sort of like a therapy for me."

(Female participant, 16-34)

In addition to the mental health benefits associated with reflection or feeling relaxed, participants also mentioned the pure enjoyment of being close to nature, contemplating wildlife or spending time in beautiful scenery.

"It is kind of refreshing to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, somewhere very scenic. It is about pondering on creation, looking at something so simple like the trees and the ocean, the wind, enjoying that being in the moment, being present for a change and not having to rush off."

(Female participant from an Asian background, 45-54)

Another benefit of visiting the coast was that it could facilitate spending quality time with friends and family. To illustrate:

"Just having a great time with my friends and my family while I am there [at the coast]. It just uplifts your mood and makes you feel better."

(Disabled female participant, 25-34)

Organisations working with ethnic minorities noted that organised visits to natural areas, including the coast, could be a good opportunity for people to connect with others in their communities and to discuss any issues they were facing.

Some physical health benefits were also mentioned, typically as a result of being physically active when at the coast, for example walking or swimming in the sea. There were also perceived circulatory benefits of wild swimming, and one participant highlighted the soothing effect of seawater on eczema. Exercise was also linked to mental health benefits.

"I would quite like to try and get a bit more into cold water swimming, because I just think the benefits of that are phenomenal. I have been once on Portobello beach and it was freezing cold, but I felt great afterward."

(Female participant living in a more deprived area, Edinburgh/Lothians)

"[When] we visited the coast in lockdown, that was all for mental health benefits, and I think we're still doing it for that reason whenever we are near the coast. It is a great opportunity to clear your head, get back into nature and do a little bit of exercise."

(Male participant, 16-34)

Reasons for visiting the coast

The perceived benefits of visiting the coast overlapped with the reasons participants gave for visiting the coast, if and when they did. Again, mental health benefits were a key theme. Participants reported visiting the coast to get a change of scene and be close to nature, as well as to feel calm and relaxed.

While social benefits were discussed in general terms, there were participants who visited the coast primarily in order to socialise with friends or family.

"[When I visit] the coast where I grew up, is more for a social benefit. […] We go out and go to the beach and we go to the cafes and restaurants there, so for me it is more, depending on which coast, the social aspect more than its exploration."

(Female participant, 16-34)

Activities such as walking, wild swimming and fishing could also draw people to the coast. Participants with young children mentioned activities such as playing in the sand or climbing rocks. Among families, the coast was seen as a cost-effective way to entertain children for a whole day.

"You can go to one place and do so many different things and I know getting there costs money, but when you're there you can have a free day. Like you say you can take a picnic, you can take a ball, you can lie and read a book. It blows away the cobwebs, it is nice to be with nature, dip your feet in the sea."

(Female participant living in a more deprived area, Glasgow)

Participants also mentioned visiting the coast for food-related activities, such as going to cafes or restaurants, getting fish and chips, or having a picnic or a barbecue. Other activities that led people to visit included dog walking, visiting amenities (e.g. arcades) or nearby attractions (e.g. an art gallery).

For some, spending time at the coast also offered learning opportunities, for example around Scotland's natural environment, wildlife or history and culture. There was a desire among participants who had more recently moved to Scotland in particular to visit the coast as a way of seeing more of the country.

"I think for me it [the reason I visit] would probably be educational purposes for my daughter, because there is lots of rockpools and that. So when we go, we go, 'Oh, what is this? What can you see?' […] having an adventure and making memories."

(Female participant, 16-34)

Other reasons for visiting the coast included seeking comfort, due to associations with the coast relating to childhood memories, to 'home' or a sense of connection with nature or with the wider world.

"I think it is good, to bring back your childhood memories. Like, you remember going there when you were young and it feels good, like it is what you know."

(Female participant living in a more deprived area, Glasgow)

"I am originally from the Netherlands and I usually go to the coast when I feel quite homesick. I tend to touch the sea, because the other side of the sea washes up to the Dutch shore, so I feel like I get to sort of be home for a little bit."

(Female participant, 16-34)

Reasons for not visiting the coast

While there were those who did not see a personal benefit to visiting the coast more often than they currently did, participants were generally open to or enthusiastic about visiting more often. However, there were a range of barriers which could deter or prevent participants from visiting the coast. These related to motivation, capability, social factors and structural/physical challenges and are outlined in detail in the next chapter.

Pen portrait 1 – Edward

Edward is in his late forties and has anxiety. He was born and brought up on the Isle of Skye so wildlife, green spaces, and the coast have always been part of his life. He now lives in a rural area of Scotland, ten minutes by car from the coast, and he visits the coast roughly once a month all year around. He is very fond of the coast and cannot think of any reasons why he does not visit more often other than not having the 'gumption'.

For him, the coast has profound mental health benefits. When he visits the coast, he often finds himself mesmerised by the waves and the wildlife. This makes him feel relaxed and allows him to reflect on issues that would normally make him anxious, without feeling stressed about them.

"I am on my own literally sitting on a rock looking at the waves splashing backwards and forwards, looking out for seals. […] Probably the most beneficial thing about the sea [is] it allows me to be in the moment without feeling those stresses that might otherwise be preoccupying my mind".