Edge Hill University and The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) have published research into how nature-based projects – like walking schemes, community gardening, green gyms and outdoor arts and cultural programmes – can support people living with mental health problems, cancer, neurological conditions and chronic pain, among other conditions.
The Role of Nature-Based Interventions in Supporting Long-Term Conditions through Green Social Prescribing report shows that these types of projects can help people to feel calmer, happier, less anxious or depressed, and that they can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The review also shows that green social prescribing can lead to economic benefits and take pressure off the wider health system.
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What is Green Social Prescribing?
Green social prescribing involves helping people to take part in nature-based activities to improve their mental and physical health.
Social Prescribing Link Workers, or other professionals, identify that someone could benefit and then connect them to community groups that can provide relevant, nature-based activities and support, based on what matters to that person.
Explore the NHS page on Green Social Prescribing: NHS GSP page
What does the evidence say?
Mental Health
Research shows that nature-based interventions can help people experiencing poor mental health feel calmer, happier, and less anxious or depressed.
Cancer
Studies suggest that spending time in nature may improve mood, boost energy, and enhance physical functioning for individuals living with cancer.
Neurological Conditions
For people with conditions like Parkinson’s, nature-based interventions have been found to ease fatigue and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Chronic Pain
Evidence indicates that nature-based experiences can help people manage chronic pain more effectively and can lead to reduced discomfort and better coping strategies.
Multiple Long-Term Conditions
A wide range of research highlights the benefits of nature-based interventions for those living with multiple long-term health issues. These benefits include:
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Increased physical activity
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Improved heart health (e.g., lower blood pressure and heart rate)
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Support with weight management
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Stronger social connections, reduced loneliness, and improved confidence and employability
Overall, people reported feeling more emotionally resilient and satisfied with life.
Economic evidence
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Cost Savings: Nature-based projects can reduce costs for the NHS and lead to reduced GP visits, hospital admissions, and medication use.
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Social Return on Investment: Nature-based interventions can have social and economic benefits worth up to £11.94 return per £1 invested.
The future of Green Social Prescribing
The new review was commissioned as part of the cross-Government Green Social Prescribing Programme to Tackle and Prevent Mental Ill Health - a programme which ran from 2020-2025.
The first phase of the programme was supported by the Treasury Shared Outcomes Fund, with additional funds from NHS England, Sport England and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP). The programme was managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with the support of national partners Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Natural England, Sport England and NASP.
The second phase of the programme was supported by the Treasury Shared Outcomes Fund and partners. NASP hosted the Project Implementation Manager on behalf of the GSP Programme partners. Find out more
On behalf of the Programme partnership, NASP has established a Green Social Prescribing Innovation Community to help spread and scale projects across the country.
The Government’s Updated Environmental Improvement Plan
Green Social Prescribing supports the government's health plan by creating healthier environments near where people live, easing NHS pressure through prevention rather than treatment alone.
The Government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan also highlights green social prescribing Among the measures announced are a new nature for health investment partnership and the creation of a new metric on Green Social Prescribing – tracking the number of people accessing green or blue space for nature-based activity to improve health (led by Natural England in partnership with Defra, DHSC, NASP and University College London).
