Why nature on prescription?
The health benefits of being outdoors are well documented, but there are barriers to enjoying the great outdoors. This page collates research on green social prescribing, and resources and impact reports from our members, to help make the case for the daily dose of nature.
What's so good about being outdoors?
From our work in Luton, we know people like getting out into our town's green spaces.
Spending time outdoors:
gets people active to improve their physical health
gets people out and meeting people to improve their mental health
gets people interested in the natural world around them
lets people enjoy fresh air and sun
Volunteering with nature conservation tasks:
helps people feel a sense of purpose while helping Luton’s natural habitats thrive
helps people learn skills and be ready to (return to) work
helps people make new friends and connections
contributes to other people’s well-being by looking after our natural spaces
Research and reports
Impact reports from member organisations
Don't just take our word for it. There is plenty of research into the benefits of getting active in nature. Our member organisations see that reflected in the experiences of the people they work with. We've collated reports, resources and research on this page that are the most relevant to our work.
The SIG Penrose 2024 Impact Report shows data on the effect its work is having on participants.
The Wildlife Trust made a rapid economic assessment of its Natural Health Services [PDF].
The 2024 Groundwork Impact Report shows how it changes people's lives.
Other research and resources on Green Social Prescribing
The Nature Connection Handbook [PDF] by the University of Derby has case studies and practical ideas on how to increase people's connection with nature.
Chalkscapes - co-creating spaces for supporting diverse communities to use greenspaces and the countryside [PDF] researched the engagement of people from diverse backgrounds with greenspaces and the countryside in Luton and Dunstable.
The national green social prescribing delivery capacity assessment from 2023 looks at key factors that influence GSP, as well as barriers and opportunities.
This 2023 research explores perceptions of green social prescribing among clinicians and the public