A rainbow coloured bench at an allotment on a sunny day

Nature and Social Prescribing

Helping People Connect with Nature for Better Health and Wellbeing  

In this section

A connection to nature is vital.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the daily walk kept many of us moving. Our parks became havens for exercise and connection. And, with our roads and skies free from traffic, we began to slow down and notice the sounds of birds singing. Sometimes for the first time in years. 

But not everyone has access to green spaces. Some people are less able to spend time in nature. It may be hard to get out and about. Especially if you have a long-term health condition or are caring full-time for a loved one. There may not be any green space within walking distance. Or low income, age, or cultural barriers may stop you from exploring the options. 

It’s crucial that as many people as possible experience the benefits of connecting to nature. And NASP is working with our partners and to realise this vision. Because we want to help more people to engage and connect with nature… And grow towards better health and wellbeing. 

Being outdoors, it’s just a reconnection to nature, and a reconnection to simple activities that are really restorative and help you work through things. It’s a very simple solution that we are realising has a huge impact.
Zahra Dhaimish, Surrey Care Trust

What Does Green Social Prescribing Involve? 

For some people, a connection with nature comes naturally. We grew up, sharing our childhoods with wild birds, insects, and flowers. We explored our local parks and helped grow food in the garden. But many of us never had the opportunity to build this connection with the great outdoors. And for others still, nature feels out of reach. 

The good news is, social prescribing makes it possible to experience the benefits of connecting to nature. Whatever your starting point.  

And, through our partnerships, NASP is working hard to build nature-based activities into the systems that exist to help people. 

A nature-based activity could be: 

  • Growing (and naming) your first house plant  
  • Nurturing a window box or balcony plants at home… Or feeding the birds outside your window 
  • Joining a local gardening or food-growing project 
  • Creative activities in green spaces, such as drawing, journaling, or crafting 
  • Learning Nordic walking . Or just going for a gentle walk, either by yourself, or with other people in your local green space 
  • Going swimming outdoors with a group 

 

Or any activity that you do in the natural environment…  

Play Video:
I live in a flat. I don’t get to meet or talk to lots of people on a daily basis. But I like being outside. It’s really good for my mental health. I’ve got to know the people here, and I find it very therapeutic.
Mark, programme participant, Surrey

Access to Nature on Your Doorstep

The natural environment doesn’t have to be wild, challenging, or inaccessible. It’s all around us, in the towns, cities and villages where we live.  

Socially prescribed activities take place in all sorts of natural spaces. Voluntary organisations work from community gardens, local parks and playing fields. From green spaces in housing estates. From national parks, and nature reserves.  

By connecting to nature, we meet likeminded people. And our sense of community and confidence begins to grow.  

A closeup of a person's legs as the walk at the park with a pram

What is the Evidence for Green Social Prescribing?

Years of scientific study show a positive link between nature and good mental and physical health. But it’s through connecting with nature — appreciating it and building a relationship with our natural environment — that the benefits are most profound.  

Connecting with nature can: 

  • Reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue 
  • Boost our immune systems 
  • Encourage us to be more physically and active 

And it may reduce the risk of chronic disease.  

“The potential of social prescribing is absolutely massive… It’s a no-brainer. Economically, it’s been demonstrated that you can save so much NHS money on things like antidepressants by creating a more holistic provision.” — Dr. Richard Claxton, GP and founder of the gardening4health directory 

NASP is working with our Academic Partners to publish evidence on nature and social prescribing.

Visit our evidence page to find out more
Tow women Nordic walking in the forest wearing brightly coloured clothing and smiling

How Can I Find Out More, Get Involved, or Get Help?

If you’re a local voluntary, community, faith, or social enterprise organisation… 

  • Download our Green Social Prescribing Toolkit, designed to help communities, organisations and health professionals who are looking to set up green social prescribing programmes that connect with local health systems.
  • Download our Nature Buddies Toolkit, designed for organisations and providers to help set up a Nature Buddies programme and supporting people to take part in nature-based activities.

Find out more about how we support local communities. 

If you need support for yourself or a loved one… 

Speak with your GP and ask to be referred to a link worker. You can also find local green social prescribing initiatives by searching:  

You can also take small steps today to connect with nature. Whether that means walking in your local park or growing your first window box garden.  

If you’re a link worker or health professional 

Green social prescribing (also called nature social prescribing) is an evidence-based, legitimate way of offering non-medical support. To find out more, you can:  

Other useful resources for link workers include: 

  • Social farms and gardens 
  • Your local voluntary community services 
  • The community or parks/greenspace info on your local authority website  
  • Gardening4health – a specialist site set up by a GP Richard Claxton, to highlight gardening projects around the UK 

If you’re looking for more online information, resources, and evidence… 

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