Natural tonic now being prescribed by GPs in Cairngorms National Park
GPs and other health and social care professionals in Badenoch and Strathspey can now prescribe nature-based activities to patients.
The novel scheme is being delivered through the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s nature prescriptions project.
It is one of 20 projects that make up The National Lottery Heritage Fund-backed Cairngorms 2030 programme.
The nature prescriptions project is in partnership with NHS Highland and supports people on an individual basis to connect with nature to feel better.
Previous trials of nature prescriptions in Scotland demonstrated their effectiveness with 71 per cent of patients saying that they benefitted from their prescription and 91 per cent of prescribing health professionals saying they would continue to offer nature prescriptions.
Support is also available on a self-referral basis and people can be referred through GP surgeries in Grantown, Aviemore, Kingussie and Laggan.
Once referred, people are put in touch with one of the park authority’s qualified Green Health Link Workers.
Louise Emslie, Green Health Link Worker at the CNPA, said: “There are many reasons or barriers that might prevent people from getting outside on a daily basis.
“This could be lack of time, low confidence, knowledge of the outdoors, access to transport, cost, physical ability or other health considerations.
“The nature prescriptions project aims to overcome some of these barriers and enable more people to benefit from nature in whatever way suits them best.
“Research also shows that health inequalities can play a large role in someone's ability to spend time in green spaces.
“Being able to support people to connect with nature and the outdoors, many of whom may otherwise find that difficult, is a huge privilege.
“By listening to what their goals are and continuing to provide support through regular check-ins, we hope that any changes made will be positive and long-lasting for participants.”
Connecting with nature through a nature prescription is tailored to the individual and can include joining nature groups, physical activity outdoors, learning a new skill like gardening or wildlife identification, nature-based volunteering, relaxing in nature or connecting with nature at home.
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The CNPA has said whatever the person chooses to do, the Green Health Link Worker will support them to plan and achieve their personal goals.
A local resident, who did not wish to be named, who has benefitted from a nature prescription said: “I connected with Louise the Green Health Link Worker after a health crisis that shook my confidence with exercise.
“I really liked how our meetings happened while having walks in nature.
“I liked how this was done at a pace I was comfortable with and having a neutral space to talk about my concerns about my health and my confidence.
“I felt inspired after every meeting and more connected to what was possible for me and having a check-in after our first meeting meant I had something to aim for and this held me accountable to myself for making progress.
“Through my connection with the Green Health Link Worker, I feel more confident walking and being in nature, I have connected with forest bathing which has increased my feeling of being relaxed and connected and has introduced me to new friends.”
Kingussie GP Mary Cauldbeck said: “The introduction of nature prescriptions has been a helpful addition to local services.
“Nature prescriptions encourage those who would not naturally access the outdoors to do so in a supported way.
“This opens opportunities in the local environment. Being outdoors has a positive impact on general well-being and can be particularly beneficial for those with physical or emotional symptoms.
“The Green Health Link Workers have time to explore a patient’s needs and recommend tailored opportunities, accompanying them on their journey to exploring the benefits of the outdoors.”
Contact one of the four local medical practices for more information.
