Biodiversity

Natural solutions to health and wellbeing

Children playing. Credit: HCC

In Hampshire we already have a range of initiatives aimed at getting people to connect with nature to improve their health and wellbeing - but there’s great scope for more. These are the findings of a report and workshop commissioned by the Ecology Group at Hampshire County Council and its Corporate Biodiversity Group.

Earlier this year a ‘Commission of Inquiry into the future of adult social care’ looked into the important benefits of access to nature. These included the physical, mental and emotional health rewards, in particular for children, the elderly and those in deprived areas. To carry this work forward, consultants have looked at the current initiatives in Hampshire as well as gaps and opportunities to improve what we provide.

The workshop involved the Primary Care Trust, local authorities, statutory agencies and voluntary bodies and has led to a ‘Nature and Health Network’ being set up for Hampshire. The report identifies opportunities including:

  • GP referral and signposting

  • promotion of outdoor activity

  • greening of care environments

  • providing access to nature within new developments

The report will help the County Council and the new 'health network' to bring the benefits of our natural health service to all.

For further information and to view the report visit:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/biodiversity/biodiversity_and_you/environment-biodiversity-health.htm