Treating Patients to Nature

Growing medical evidence shows that access to the natural environment improves health and wellbeing, prevents diseases and helps people recover from illness. Experiencing nature in the outdoors can help tackle obesity, coronary heart disease, stress and mild depression.

An initiative between Natural England and the Culm Valley Centre is piloting this approach, with the appointment of a health facilitator to promote the natural environment for therapy and treatment. She works with sedentary patients to overcome perceived barriers to exercise by setting individual goals and signposting patients to opportunities for appropriate physical activity in the local area.

Some patients have started using stepometers or have been referred to the local Walk and Talk Schemes, - part of Natural England’s national Walking the Way to Health Initiative. It is hoped that, in the future, cycling opportunities will be offered and specially produced leaflets will highlight special interest walks and other local opportunities.

The effectiveness of this Initiative will be closely monitored by the NHS Alliance and Natural England and, if successful, will be expanded across the Country.