Nature for Health making us feel a lot better...

The two-year NHS test and learn scheme for green social prescribing has come to a close –Jenni Lea looks back at what’s been accomplished.

“We all know nature and being outdoors is good for us,” and that is why Nature for Health is proving a success.

In July 2020, the government announced a £5.5 million investment for a cross-government project aimed at preventing and tackling mental ill health through green social prescribing.

Greater Manchester was one of six regions selected to pilot a twoyear green social prescribing programme - testing and learning how we support p eople to connect with nature for their mental wellbeing through engagement with nature-based activity.

Nature for Health, managed by Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, selected five organisations to manage different areas in the region. After a tough bidding process, Lancashire Wildlife Trust was successful in Bury.

We chose beautiful Philips Park, Bury’s oldest nature reserve, as the base for operations - with stunning surroundings, great facilities and a variety of established nature-based groups, all enthusiastic to be involved and welcome more people into their groups, it was a prime location.

There’s been a real range of different types of activities available, such as green woodworking, food growing, and nature photography, meaning that there’s something for everyone to get involved with.

The real success story for this programme, however, has been the collaboration with Prestwich’s Social Prescribing team who have been referring people to the sessions and much more.

Julie Bentley, Bury GP Federation NHS Social Prescriber for Prestwich said, ‘We all know nature and being outdoors is good for us. We’ve been able to offer a specialised, tailored and expert approach to ensure people are matched to appropriate green activities, as well as meeting any other needs through social prescribing support and vice versa. We have been able to introduce nature for health even to those who didn’t think they were interested.’

One of the attendees, Emily*, was referred by social prescribing and is now involved with numerous green groups. ‘Participating in the group has done more for me than taking more medication, I have learnt so much in a short time and it has helped me realise I have skills that I have forgotten. It has definitely improved my mental health and I enjoy meeting and chatting with other group members.’

The success of the test and learn project has led to the Trust being commissioned by Bury GP Federation, and by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to run sessions for secondary care Mental Health service users.

Natasha Goakes, Early Intervention Clinical Psychologist said, ‘Bury Early Intervention Team have loved working in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

We care a great deal about our service users and are passionate about nature, and the same is true for the staff at LWT, so this work has been like a dream come true! We have worked closely, sharing ideas, ways forward, and suggestions for making sure our service users get the most out of nature.’

A huge thanks has to go to all of those wonderful groups who have devoted their time at Philips Park as part of the scheme:

A walk in the wildflowers

On a balmy warm May evening a group of volunteers joined Senior Conservation Officer, John Lamb and Reserves Officer, Lorna Bennett on a guided Wildflower Walk at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston.

During the short walk, John and Lorna helped identify 38 different species of wildflowers growing on the reserve, as well as spotting several butterfly species. Simple techniques were shared to figure out the different flower species. For example, the way to differentiate a meadow buttercup from a creeping buttercup by its leaf shape and the subtle difference in colour.

The rich floral biodiversity thriving at Brockholes is testament to the years of work of the reserves team and their hard-working dedicated volunteer team. It was wonderful that two of these volunteers, Lindsey and Brian, joined the walk. The event was a real success with volunteers feeling better able to identify more wildflowers and a greater appreciation of the rich floral species on the reserve.

 Bury Greenwood GroupGreenwood working

 Friends of Philips Park – Gardening

 Incredible Edible Prestwich and District – Food growing

 Lancashire Wildlife Trust – Practical Conservation / Nature and Wellbeing

 Prestwich and Whitefield Social Prescribing – Walks and gardening

 Tristan Poyser – Nature Photography

 Uplift Unite – Nature connection

We’re looking forward to seeing green social prescribing in Greater Manchester continue to grow and thrive over the coming years.

*Name has been changed

The volunteers help on a range of projects, reserves and local groups: and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to meet each other.

The event was kindly funded by the Wild Flower Society. The Trust will be running more events like this as a way to thank volunteers for the amazing contributions they make to the Trust.

The Trust is looking for more volunteers to achieve its ambition to create habitats where nature can thrive. There are a wide range of volunteer roles available. Please go to www.lancswt.org.uk/