Nature and Health
Programme Summary
WENP established its Nature and Health Strategy Group in 2018, and the region later became one of seven national Green Social Prescribing test sites through Healthier with Nature, covering Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
The programme demonstrated the strength of the region’s voluntary and community sector in delivering nature-based health interventions, including reaching communities experiencing health inequalities. The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is also nationally recognised for integrating nature into mental health services.
Nature Health West is the region's platform for nature-based health and wellbeing services. It features a directory with information about projects that support people to connect with nature through activities such as food growing, arts, conservation, walking, swimming and nature-based therapies, all rooted in communities.
Despite strong progress, short-term funding and the need for stronger cross-sector collaboration remain key challenges.
The programme will:
- Nature-based Health and Care Pathways: for nature to be integrated across NHS primary and secondary care services
- Nature Connected Communities: Foster healthier communities through increasing access to nature and stronger nature connection, particularly in underserved and priority populations
- Nature positive NHS: Enable the NHS to play an active role in nature recovery and reduce its environmental impact, aligning with the One Health approach
Get Involved
We welcome involvement from health providers, community organisations, local authorities, researchers, environmental partners and funders interested in strengthening the links between nature and health across the West of England. There are opportunities to collaborate on:
- Nature-based health programmes
- Community engagement
- Research
- Green social prescribing
- Improving access to nature for underserved communities
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