A Breath of Fresh Air: Why green Social Prescribing must be part of everyday healthcare.

From the very start of my career as a doctor, I’ve been passionate about the connection between nature and health. That’s why I set up Green Gym and Health Walks to help people experience the benefits of being active outdoors.

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as spending time in nature can transform health outcomes.

As a GP, I’ve always believed healthcare should go beyond treating symptoms. Instead, it should take a holistic approach to treating the whole person. Too often, our healthcare system focuses on prescribing medication as the first line of defence. When given the right circumstances, the best prescription is something far simpler: time spent in nature.

Green social prescribing is one of the most exciting developments in healthcare today. It’s a practical, evidence-based way to improve mental and physical health whilst also relieving pressure on our overburdened services. It’s a simple yet transformative idea, one that every healthcare professional should be integrating into their practice.

The evidence for Green Social Prescribing

In 2021, a Cross Government Preventing and Tackling Mental Ill Health through Green Social Prescribing Programme was launched to support people experiencing mental health difficulties. The results were astounding. Over 8,000 people took part, more than half of whom were from the most in need communities (IMD deciles 1-3).

Here’s what we found:

Significant improvements in wellbeing were recorded across all ONS4 wellbeing domains after patients accessed nature-based activities.
Happiness and resilience increased, helping people to better manage their mental health.
Social isolation was reduced, as people connected with their communities through shared outdoor experiences.
A strong economic case, with a social return on investment of £2.42 for every £1 invested, a figure that makes it clear this approach is both effective and sustainable.

Treating the whole person

I’ve seen first-hand how green social prescribing can change lives. It’s not just about getting people outside; it’s about reconnecting them with their environment, their communities, and ultimately, themselves.

“Green social prescribing is an exciting and fulfilling way of meeting patient needs, whilst also relieving pressure on our services. It treats the whole person rather than just one aspect of their health. Regular walking in or just being out in nature should be advised for every patient.”

Time spent in nature is more than just a “nice to have,” it has measurable health benefits. We know it improves heart health, reduces blood pressure and lowers all-cause mortality. So, why not dive in and prescribe it?

Making Green Social Prescribing part of every consultation

I understand that as GPs, we’re time-poor. We often have just 10 minutes with a patient, which makes it difficult to explore lifestyle changes in depth. This is also where Social Prescribing Link Workers come in. These professionals are embedded within primary care networks and can help patients access local nature-based activities, from guided walks to community gardening projects.

Research shows that social prescribing reduces GP appointments, empowers patients, and fosters long-term behaviour change—making it a valuable asset in any practice. But integrating green social prescribing doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s how we can start:

Ask simple, open-ended questions.

Encouraging patients to think about their connection with nature can open up the conversation.

Some easy questions to ask include:

Do you spend any time outdoors?
How do you feel after a walk in the fresh air?
Have you ever noticed a change in your mood when you’ve spent time in nature?

These questions allow patients to reflect on their experiences and can be a natural lead-in to discussing green social prescribing options.

Signpost to Green Social Prescribing activities

Many patients would be keen to spend more time in nature but don’t know where to start. This is where green social prescribing comes in. Depending on their needs and circumstances, I might suggest:

Local walking groups
Community gardening projects
Outdoor mindfulness or conservation programmes
A simple goal, like spending five minutes outside each day

For those facing barriers, whether financial, physical, or psychological, structured green social prescribing programmes can offer tailored support.

Normalise nature as a prescription

We prescribe exercise, diet changes and mindfulness, so why not prescribe time in nature? Even if it’s recommending a short daily walk or referring a patient to a structured programme, we should be treating time outdoors as a core part of healthcare.

A low-cost, high-impact solution

Green Social Prescribing is a highly effective, low-cost treatment that is already improving patient outcomes in primary care.

A new Red Whale course has been created by GPs in collaboration with Natural England, Intelligent Health, NHS England, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICS and the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP).

The course explains the evidence underpinning the health benefits of connecting patients to nature. Crucially, it also gives some simple, practical steps showing GPs how they can integrate this innovative and well-tested idea into their everyday practice.

The NHS is convinced that this will work. So, we now have a real opportunity to embed green social prescribing into mainstream practice.

It’s not about replacing other treatments. It’s about offering a powerful, complementary tool that can help patients lead healthier, happier lives.

As healthcare professionals, we owe it to our patients to explore every possible avenue to support their wellbeing. And sometimes, the best prescription isn’t found in a pill bottle. It’s found just outside the front door.

You’re not alone, support is available.

If you’re a healthcare professional looking to integrate green social prescribing into your practice, you don’t have to do it alone.

For evidence, practical guidance and advice on social prescribing you can visit: Red Whale, NHS England, and the National Academy for Social Prescribing to help you take those first steps.

Intelligent Health website