A growth in demand for spaces to unwind
GREEN health activities – such as walking meetings outdoors, or seeking solace in a relaxing garden – can help prevent and treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions.
Outdoor activity and contact with nature has been associated with benefits to the immune system and metabolism, reduction in cardiovascular disease, reduced rates of obesity and diabetes, reduced stress, anxiety and rates of depression.
It makes sense, then, that one of the three key strands to Naturescot’s green health work is rooted in gardens and green spaces within and surrounding Scotland’s hospitals and health centres.
“There are three key areas – Green Health Partnerships is one, ongoing investment in green infrastructure is a second, and the third focuses on NHS green spaces,” says Pete Rawcliffe, Naturescot’s Head of People and
Places.
“The new international targets for biodiversity that are currently being agreed will include measures for improving urban biodiversity to increase the health and wellbeing benefits for all.
“That’s why measures that improve greenspaces for people and wildlife are being included in health policies and practice, such as the forthcoming NHS Scotland climate emergency and sustainability strategy.”
Through its work with area health boards, Naturescot and its partners in both environment and health sectors have supported the improvement of nearly 90 hectares of the NHS outdoor estate, creating woodlands, establishing wildflower meadows and ponds, and providing outdoor spaces for staff, patients and visitors.
Early research showed an estimated 10% increase in use of the greenspace by staff at some of the sites, with activities taking place including recreation, walking meetings, active travel, volunteering, and treatment and recovery programmes. The pressure on healthcare staff during the pandemic also resulted in increased demand for outdoor spaces to help staff unwind or seek solace.
Mr Rawcliffe adds: “Nature is essential to tackling the big problems we face – nature-based solutions can address climate change and biodiversity loss; improve health and wellbeing; and support the action needed to address inequalities and develop the wellbeing economy. We need to build it in to the places we live, work and play.
“The long-term aim is that we get policy which links climate, nature and health.
“A lot has already been achieved but there is still more to do to achieve the win-win-wins we need.”