Natural Therapies and Physical Activities Can Surprisingly Boost Healthcare Outcomes
In a groundbreaking development, the National Health Service (NHS) in Sussex is embracing nature as a therapeutic tool for mental health treatment. The Circle of Life Rediscovery (CLR) has been offering a nature-based practice training program since 2023, equipping healthcare professionals with the skills to use nature and green spaces to aid individuals and groups of all ages[1][2].
The training, which spans over five months and offers an ITC level 3 qualification, has seen 36 NHS staff members complete the course since its inception. The latest cohort, comprising 16 health service staff, recently shared their experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of the training on their approach to mental health treatment[1][2].
The course emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature for mental and physical wellbeing, helping reduce anxiety and depression. Participants, such as a senior nurse from Sussex, have applied what they learned in their professional settings with the support of colleagues, demonstrating the course’s positive impact on healthcare practices[1][2].
The program is delivered through workshops supported by Natural England, underscoring the value of outdoor healthcare and green spaces for improving patient outcomes in mental health treatment[1][2]. Sarah Davies, Natural England’s principal adviser for partnerships in Sussex and Kent, emphasized the importance of open spaces for relaxation, education, and reducing anxiety and depression[3].
The survey, a three-year study over an extended period of time, is being conducted into the effects of exposure to natural spaces on people’s health, behavior, and attitude towards the environment. It involves approximately 18,000 adults across the country, but it is not mentioned to be a part of the nature-based training for NHS staff[4].
The survey is a partnership between Natural England, the University of Exeter, and the Natural Environment Research Council, and organizations from a range of sectors are involved in its development[4]. However, the specific findings or results from the survey have yet to be announced.
The UK Government survey indicates that less than half of the population have recently visited the countryside or a local park[5]. As the NHS explores the use of outdoor settings, such as parks and countryside, for certain treatments, particularly for those with poor mental health, the nature-based practice training offered by CLR could play a significant role in encouraging more people to engage with nature for their health and wellbeing.
The training course is available for booking for the 2026 sessions, taking place at Laughton from late June[6]. Natural England is funding courses for nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in Sussex to make more use of outdoor settings in treatment[7].
In summary, this nature-based practice training:
- Provides practical skills for healthcare staff to use nature in therapy
- Offers a recognized Level 3 qualification
- Has been experienced by NHS staff in Sussex since 2023
- Positively changes healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards nature-based mental health treatments
- Supports wider use of green spaces to improve patient wellbeing and reduce anxiety and depression[1][2]
[1] Circle of Life Rediscovery. (n.d.). Certificate in Nature-Based Practice. Retrieved from https://circleofliferediscovery.com/certificate-in-nature-based-practice/
[2] Sussex Express. (2023, March 24). NHS staff in Sussex complete nature-based practice training. Retrieved from https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/19872353.nhs-staff-sussex-complete-nature-based-practice-training/
[3] Natural England. (n.d.). Partnerships in Sussex and Kent. Retrieved from https://naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/partnerships/sussex-and-kent/
[4] Natural England. (n.d.). Green health: The benefits of natural environments for human health and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/green-health/
[5] UK Government. (2021, November 10). Less than half of the population have visited the countryside or a local park in the last month. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/less-than-half-of-the-population-have-visited-the-countryside-or-a-local-park-in-the-last-month
[6] Circle of Life Rediscovery. (n.d.). Certificate in Nature-Based Practice. Retrieved from https://circleofliferediscovery.com/certificate-in-nature-based-practice/
[7] Natural England. (n.d.). Green health: The benefits of natural environments for human health and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/green-health/
- The nature-based practice training program by Circle of Life Rediscovery (CLR), which began in 2023, equips healthcare professionals with skills to utilize nature and green spaces for mental health treatment, promoting mental and physical wellbeing.
- The training course, spanning five months and offering an ITC level 3 qualification, has seen 36 NHS staff members complete it, with the latest cohort of 16 health service staff sharing their transformative experiences.
- The program emphasizes the effectiveness of connecting with nature in reducing anxiety and depression, and health service staff have implemented what they learned in their professional settings, demonstrating a positive impact on healthcare practices.
- The training course is open for booking for the 2026 sessions and is funded by Natural England for nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in Sussex to make more use of outdoor settings in treatment.
- The UK Government survey indicates less than half of the population have recently visited the countryside or a local park, highlighting a potential role for the nature-based practice training in encouraging more people to engage with nature for their health and wellbeing, particularly those with poor mental health.
