We have recently partnered with the RSPB, the North York Moors National Park Authority and North York Moor Trust to develop the first nature prescription for North Yorkshire.
Together with health professionals we have developed a calendar featuring local and accessible activities that will unlock senses and help improve mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Appreciating birdsong, noticing the changing colours of the seasons and taking scent walks are just some of the activities that will be prescribed by health professionals to boost mental and physical health and wellbeing across North Yorkshire.
Connecting with nature is a proven way to improve your health and wellbeing. Nature unlocks hardwired human instincts, helping us to feel more calm and less nervous, to spark joy, creativity and happiness, and to aid confidence, communication, and concentration.
We have developed activities that can be done anywhere from your back yard to a national park and independently or with friends or family.
The nature prescriptions will also encourage patients to connect with the outdoors and natural landscapes in either of North Yorkshire’s two national parks, both renowned for their beauty, tranquillity, and sensory contrasts that are proven to lift and improve health and wellbeing.
As part of the project we are providing free training to GPs and social prescribers on how to support and guide a patient through the nature prescription and the associated health benefits nature provides.
Please contact: learning@yorkshiredales.org.uk if you would like to book training for your team or get involved.
The get a feel for what a training session involves, please read this news release:
NHS workers try ‘RSPB Nature Prescriptions’ – Tuesday 9 July, 2024, by News Release