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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Mossel Bay photographer Frieda van der Walt took photographs of people hugging trees in Harry Giddey Park in the town centre.

The park is a valuable "green lung". Entry is free and people can take a walk in the shade of the trees or have a picnic. 

Some opt to hold their birthday parties or have their wedding photographs taken in the park.

Van der Walt notes that hugging a tree increases levels of the hormone, oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and for emotional bonding.

VIDEO - Johané Dercksen (4) hugging a tree in Harry Giddey Park, Mossel Bay. (Video: Frieda van der Walt)

She said: "When hugging a tree, the hormones serotonin and dopamine increase and make you feel happier. It is important to use this free space of a park to heal ourselves holistically."

Photos: Frieda van der Walt

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