Kathy Willis delivers the National Trust Octavia Hill Lecture 2026
The fourth Octavia Hill Lecture, held in collaboration with Times Radio, took place on 14 April 2026. Professor Willis, drawing on her experience as a biologist, researcher and author, delivered this year’s lecture about the health-giving power of nature.
The lecture will be broadcast on Times Radio on Saturday 18 April at 19.00. It will be available to view here from 21 April.
Why is nature good for our health?
'Nature is the physician of diseases,' said Hippocrates and today, the idea feels more relevant than ever. But how and why does spending time in nature improve our health?
Non-communicable diseases – such as heart disease, respiratory illness and mental health conditions – cause 41 million deaths each year, making up 71% of global mortality. At the same time, research shows that interacting with the natural environment can lower risks and support recovery.
But important questions remain:
- Which interactions matter most – sight, sound, smell, touch or even taste?
- How much time in nature is enough?
- What biological processes are triggered when we connect with the natural world?
This lecture explored the emerging science behind nature, health and healing.
