Novel ‘prescription for nature’ launches in Derbyshire

Novel ‘prescription for nature’ launches in Derbyshire - RSPB

Following the successful pilot of RSPB Nature Prescriptions in Scotland, they will be offered for the first time in England
Working in partnership with social prescribing services in High Peak, Derbyshire, the Nature Prescriptions trial includes a calendar of ideas to enable people to connect with nature and boost their health and wellbeing – from searching for frost on leaves to listening to the sounds of nature
There is growing evidence indicating the physical and mental health benefits of connecting with nature, including reduced stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression
Nature Prescriptions are a free to use, accessible and flexible way to improve wellbeing and could provide a crucial support option at a time of significant cost of living pressures

Health professionals in Derbyshire have become the first in England to use RSPB Nature Prescriptions to boost health and wellbeing.

The new project, led by the RSPB and the Peak District National Park Authority, is working with social prescribing services to trial Nature Prescriptions, a novel way to improve quality of life and wellbeing for people through nature. It is the first time the project has been trialled in England.

A growing body of evidence indicates that individuals with a greater connection to nature experience improved mental wellbeing, greater vitality and happiness, and are more satisfied with life. Research also shows that increasing your connection with nature can positively impact a range of conditions, including stress, anxiety and depression.

A Nature Prescription is a free to use, non-medical approach based on accessible, self-led activities that people can do from home, on their own or with others; and that aim to create lasting connections with nature.
The trial comes on the back of successful pilot projects ran by RSPB Scotland in the Shetland Isles and Edinburgh which resulted in over 74% of patients saying they benefitted from their prescription and 87% of people saying that they would continue to use nature to support their health and wellbeing. The project is now also expanding to other locations in Scotland.