Traffic Noise Diminishes Mood-Boosting Effects of Birdsong, Study Shows

Researchers surveyed more than 1,500 participants who listened to nine simulated soundscapes that combined birdsong with varying levels of traffic noise. Participants rated their emotional responses, and a subset had heart-rate variability measured. The study, published in *People and Nature*, found that even low levels of traffic noise reduced the psychological benefits normally associated with birdsong, while pure birdsong consistently improved mood regardless of acoustic complexity.

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• Participants: >1,500 individuals across age groups.

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• Soundscapes: Nine combinations of birdsong and traffic noise.

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• Physiological response: Lower heart-rate variability for listeners exposed to traffic noise, indicating heightened stress.

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• Age effect: Younger participants reported stronger wellbeing gains than older participants, attributed to better hearing.

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• Perceived biodiversity: Participants who recognized a greater variety of bird species and reported higher bird-knowledge experienced larger mood improvements.

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Associate professor Eleanor Ratcliffe emphasized that urban planners should incorporate noise-mitigation measures—such as reduced speed limits and denser ground-level vegetation—to allow residents to fully enjoy green spaces. She also highlighted that listening to birds is an easily accessible way for individuals to connect with nature without substantial effort.

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• “Bird sounds tend to be one of the elements of nature soundscapes that people perceive as being most relaxing, most pleasant, beneficial for them psychologically,” — Dr Eleanor Ratcliffe

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• “We set up the study with the interest of looking at these differences in the objective properties of the soundscape, these levels of acoustic complexity that relate to different levels of biodiversity,” — Ratcliffe

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• “It shows us that we should support and protect nature for the sake of nature, regardless of whether or not humans have some increased utility benefit from it,” — Ratcliffe. In, associate professor

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• “With urban planning now including more green spaces it is important that steps are taken so that people enjoy such areas to their fullest,” — Ratcliffe. Suggested

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The researchers suggest that expanding green areas alone is insufficient; proactive steps to limit traffic noise are essential for preserving the restorative qualities of natural soundscapes. Proposed actions include lowering vehicle speeds near parks and planting vegetation barriers to buffer acoustic intrusion, thereby enhancing the mental-health benefits of urban nature.

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