This World Mental Health Day (10 October) Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is recognising Wolstanton Medical Centre for their unique approach to enriching patients' lives and boosting wellbeing through wildlife connection. This is a form of green social-prescribing, which the Trust are experts in delivering. The hope is that other health professionals will recognise the benefits of prescribing time in nature and more will use it to boost patient's physical and mental health.

The GP surgery first reached out to the Trust in 2022 to explore how they could create space for nature at the practice, and progress ideas of how they could incorporate nature into their wellbeing work.

Initial steps included revamping the surgery’s outdoor area to create a wildlife-friendly space, with plants for pollinators and the creation of self-led nature walks around the local area. They also commissioned the Trust to organise a series of wellbeing walks. Over recent years many patients have visited local greenspaces with the Trust on its minibus. 

Patient feedback from the walks has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have commented on enjoying the social interaction and being able to visit new places, which are otherwise inaccessible because they don’t drive or don’t have the confidence to go to alone. They also enjoyed learning about the local wildlife, and taking gentle exercise. 

Talking about how the walks have helped her, Rosalie, said: “I’d lost my husband and was finding it hard to go out. It’s been absolutely wonderful to join these walks, I’ve met new people and it’s given me such a lift to come out and walk.”

The Trust is keen for medical centres to roll similar programmes out in other areas of the county, investing in further sessions to benefit more communities who don’t otherwise have the opportunity to spend time in nature. 

Dr Elizabeth Cottrell, GP Principal of the Wolstanton Medical Centre, says "Following the pandemic we recognised that patients' physical and mental health had suffered. We wanted to give back to our patients by giving them the opportunity to connect with nature and with each other. We have been delighted with the response to the walk and the patients really appreciate the companionship, fun and, of course, the knowledge of Shaun. Patients and our staff recognise the value in this activity and due to this demand, we have been delighted to support Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and our patients by offering the walk for two years now."

Shaun Rimmer, Team Wilder Lead, says: “It’s inspiring to see what ideas local health providers can come up with to improve their space for wildlife, and in doing so also improve physical and mental health for local people too. We need more medical practices to let nature help improve patient wellbeing - the benefits of spending time outdoors reconnecting with nature are well proven through numerous scientific research studies. 

“Our wildlife walks have been really popular, with friendships formed and people enjoying visiting different places to walk and talk. Many of the people who have joined them live alone, so they really help combat loneliness. The gentle exercise, chatter and fresh air is a real mood booster.”

Any medical centres who want to explore commissioning the Trust to run something similar can get in touch at getwild@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Those interested in green social prescribing can speak to their doctor about whether it could be right for them. However, a formal referral isn’t needed to get started. Simply stepping outside for a walk in the park, practicing mindfulness in the garden, or volunteering for a local conservation project can all be ways to experience the positive impact of nature on wellbeing.

Green social prescribing specifically involves activities that get people outdoors, fostering a reconnection with the natural world. Studies have consistently shown that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety, elevates mood, and improves sleep. These calming effects translate into a powerful tool for overall improved wellbeing.

Social prescribing isn't just about the calming effect of nature. Through projects like Wilder Neighbourhoods in Stoke-on-Trent, the Trust also runs group activities which encourage social connection and combat loneliness. Whether it's a gentle birdwatching session, a wild walk and draw session, or planting wildflowers in a community space, participating in nature-based activities creates a sense of belonging through shared experiences. All events can be found and booked here: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events 

It’s an approach backed by science: A Natural Health Service - A summary of research carried out by University of Essex and Leeds Becket found that 95% of participants with low levels of mental wellbeing when they started a Wildlife Trust programme reported an improvement in their mental health in just six weeks.