FOREST bathing may not be everyone’s cup of tea but the Japanese practice of breathing deeply among trees is one of a number of health and well – being interventions encouraged through green prescribing.
A recently released government – commissioned report resulted in £2.3 million further investment into green prescribing until March 2025 and the pilot schemes evaluated included seven of the Wildlife Trusts’.
Green Prescribing is part of the NHS long term plan to improve mental health outcomes, reduce health inequalities and reduce demand on the NHS. It aims to save the NHS money and reduce reliance on its services.
A recent survey by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust of 350 of its supporters found while more than half found it extremely easy to access nature the remainder found it less so. Reasons behind perceived poor access include a lack of transport or parking, mobility issues and family or work commitments.
Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust marketing and communications officer Roxanne Keilty said green prescribing is being worked on nationally by the organisation.
“The Trusts always promote getting out into nature as good for wellbeing and mental health. LRWT’s Big Wild Walk between 21 October and 3rd November challenges people to explore nature and walk 30 km at their own pace to fundraise to protect wildlife,” said Ms Keilty.
“For the first time this year the AGM includes a members’ weekend with special walks just for members at Cossington Meadows and Charnwood Lodge on Sunday 24th Nov.”
“Explore nature and enjoy the many health benefits of being outdoors at the many trust reserves or attend separate events including expert – led walks like the forthcoming fungi forage at Charnwood Lodge near Copt Oak,” said Roxanne.
She added opportunities for volunteering are being also being expanded with Charnwood Geopark.
The Green Gym run by Charnwood Borough Council outdoor space contractor id Verde can take referrals from GPs.
Sam Nicholson from the ranger service supports the volunteers and said a GP recently attended one of the sessions to evaluate its health and well – being benefits for green prescribing.
“Just yesterday we had one of the GPs attend to pass onto their patients what it’s really like to join our sessions. They refer patients to us and support them, as if a patient is bad with anxiety they might struggle to attend,” said Sam.
While again some concerns were raised around transport and mobility issues, as many of the activities take place at the Outwoods, Sam said it’s so good for mental health and overall wellbeing. (m/f)
She said while some voluntary outdoor work is quite strict and run as if it’s a job, at Green Gym attendees can come along if they’re feeling a bit off and are not expected to do the same as the staff.
“We know what we have to do but volunteers only do as much as they can,” said Sam.
“People socialise, learn new skills and it’s particularly popular with retirees.”
Participants work across 40 sites id Verde manages including Stone Bow Washlands, Charnwood Water, Morley quarry and the biggest site the Outwoods.
“The work the volunteers do depends on the time of year. August to September we cut and clear wildflower meadows– we cut with power scythes and volunteers come down and rake it up. They get involved in habitat management, including pond work.
“It gives people an improved sense of purpose and satisfaction. I suffer a little with anxiety myself and I’m a great believer in getting out and about outdoors,” said Sam adding it also impacts positively on the environment.
GP and Vice President of the Wildlife Trusts Dr Amir Khan said he knows through working as a GP, and in his personal life, that nature brings all kinds of health and well-being benefits.
“If we bring all these activities into health and social care services in the community, then our much-loved NHS can be more closely aligned with the organisations that are able to work quickly and effectively, targeting and reaching people much earlier,” said Dr Khan.
Charnwood News 
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