Think Health Think Nature is one of four pilot projects in Scotland being supported through Our Natural Health Service – a programme led by NatureScot and underpinned by a strong evidence base.
The Benefits of Green Health
The benefits of Green Health are well documents in A Dose of Nature evidence summary report by Exeter University.
- Can reduce the experience of pain.
- Can improve immune function
- Can protects against cardiovascular disease
- Helps to lower blood pressure
- Relief from acute stress
- Improves self- esteem
- Can speed up recovery from illness or injury
- Combats fatigue
- Benefits those suffering depression/anxiety
- Helps tackle loneliness
- Reduces ADHD symptoms in children
- Can improve concentration
- Can prevent and manage diabetes
- Reduced mortality
- Promotes physical activity
For more information you may also like to download the Our Natural Health Service leaflet.
An evaluation of Green Health Prescriptions across Dundee, Highland, and North Ayrshire
One of the major elements of Green Health Partnerships is the drive to setup and run Green Health Prescription GHPr pathways, where service users receive a prescription from a healthcare professional, community service, or self-refer. The GHPr allows healthcare professionals to connect patients with free or low-cost outdoor activities delivered and supported by the third sector, including charities and volunteer groups. At the time of this evaluation, Dundee, North Ayrshire, and Highland are in various stages of embedding the GHPr into the referralpathways that they offer. It is, therefore, an ideal time to see what the people coordinating and participating in GHPr think of it. Read the Evaluation from the Public Health Interventions Responsive Studies team here.
Green Health Partnerships in Scotland – An Evaluation of the First Three Years
As the core element of implementing the ONHS programme, four pilot Green Health Partnerships (GHPs) were set up in 2018 to demonstrate how better cross-sectoral coordination can mainstream approaches to improving health through engagement with the natural environment. They were in Dundee, Lanarkshire, North Ayrshire and Highland. This report presents an overview of how the GHPs worked to achieve five key aims in the first three years of operation. Read the full report here
The James Hutton Institute has carried out a number of studies on the contribution of green and open space in public health and wellbeing. The aim of the project was to explore the relationship between green space and human health using a range of methods and disciplinary approaches at different scales. To read the reports click here.
COVID-19 Impacts
The COVID-19 pandemic, and our response to it, has undoubtedly had an impact on all of our lives. There have been a number of studies to exploring the impact on health and the outdoors. A report on the Change in use of green and open space following COVID-19 lockdown ‘stay at home’ phase and initial easing of lockdown was produced by the Scottish Governments Environment and Spaces group and concluded that:
- Use of green and open space was polarised during lockdown. Some people did increase their frequency of use and time spent outside, but many made fewer or no visits.
- The most marked reduction in time spent in green and open spaces was amongst older people.
- Overwhelmingly, users reported that green and open space benefited their mental health during lockdown.
- Socio-economic inequalities in use of green and open spaces existed before lockdown. Lockdown did not reduce these and may have made them worse.
There have been two surveys commissioned by NatureScot looking at enjoying the outdoors – monitoring the impact of social distancing and coronavirus. The first survey covered the period March – May 2020 and the second, from Mid-August to mid-September 2020. Two findings included were:
- As lockdown eased engagement with nature remained higher than in 2019
- Participation close to home and in gardens remained high.
Local Studies
Research from the University of the Highlands and Islands
- Does the mode of exercise influence the benefits obtained by green exercise? — University of the Highlands and Islands
- What motivates participants to adhere to green exercise? — University of the Highlands and Islands
- Psychological Effects of Outdoor Activity in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review — University of the Highlands and Islands
- Velocity Cycle to Health — University of the Highlands and Islands
- Bespoked’ Cycle to Health Evaluation Report: Promoting health, well-being & active travel through an Inverness social enterprise — University of the Highlands and Islands
- Co-production of “nature walks for wellbeing” public health intervention for people with severe mental illness: Use of theory and practical know-how — University of the Highlands and Islands
Understanding the barriers to utilising the greenspace in pregnant women and young families in the Aviemore Area.
This study was undertaken by a 3rd Year Medical student from Aberdeen University working on a six week placement with the Think Health Think Nature, in 2019. It has helped to inform Green Health developments in the Badenoch & Strathspey area. The report can be found here.
A survey of Key Workers and those who have been shielding due to COVID19 on access to greenspace and exercise during lockdown.
The study was undertaken by a 3rd year Medical Student from Aberdeen University on a six week placement with Think Health Think Nature, in 2020. It has helped to inform the partnership’s response to COVID. The report can be found here.
Green Health Packs and Events Evaluation Report
The Green Health Events and Packs project formed part of the Think Health Think Nature work programme of the Highland Green Health Partnership and were delivered throughout 2020. This report, carried out by Hilliam Research and Analysis, evaluates the success of the initiative and makes recommendations for any roll out of similar funding initiatives in the future. The report can be found here.
