North Yorkshire leading the way with UK’s first Protected Landscape-led Natural Health Service - York St John University

Protected Landscapes should be formally recognised as a core part of the UK’s national infrastructure supporting health, prevention, and community wellbeing, according to a major new report by York St John University.

The report sets out compelling evidence that nature-based health programmes delivered across National Parks and Protected Landscapes can significantly improve mental, physical and social wellbeing, while supporting the NHS’s shift from treatment to prevention. It highlights the success of the UK’s first Protected Landscape-led Natural Health Service, demonstrating how the nation’s protected natural landscapes can play a more substantive role in delivering improved public outcomes.

It comes at a critical time, with the April 2026 Health Foundation report showing that while people are living longer, the number of years spent in good health is not keeping pace. At the same time, loneliness is increasingly recognised as a growing public health challenge, strongly linked to poor mental health, reduced wellbeing and lower levels of physical activity.

The pilot initiative, led by North York Moors Trust, was supported by £100,000 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority via the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. It brought together a partnership of public and charitable organisations across North Yorkshire during a trial that completed in March 2026.

Partners included the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Howardian Hills National Landscape, and Nidderdale National Landscape. Together, they delivered a coordinated programme designed to reach those most at risk of poor health outcomes, including individuals experiencing isolation, long-term health conditions, cancer survivorship, unemployment, caring responsibilities, and members of the armed forces community.