A study led by researchers from the University of York has demonstrated that participating in nature-based activities can significantly improve mental health and well-being in as little as 12 weeks. This research, part of a national green social prescribing initiative, highlights the benefits of connecting individuals with nature to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Green social prescribing involves healthcare professionals referring patients to community-based nature activities as a means of enhancing mental health beyond traditional medical treatments. In the UK, several pilot sites are testing these programs, with Humber and North Yorkshire being the first region to publish results. The initiative is gaining attention due to its potential to provide cost-effective, non-pharmacological alternatives for managing mental health.
Over 220 participants from Humber and North Yorkshire took part in a variety of nature-based activities, including horticultural and care farming, outdoor mindfulness, sport, and craft-based activities. Participants’ mental health was evaluated before and after their involvement in the program using well-established measures of well-being and mental health, such as the Office of National Statistics personal well-being measures and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
The results of the study showed significant improvements in participants’ mood and anxiety levels after engaging in nature-based activities. Participants who took part in longer programs—typically those lasting 9 to 12 weeks—reported the most significant improvements, particularly those involved in horticultural and care farming activities. These activities had a more profound impact on mood and anxiety compared to shorter programs (1 to 4 weeks) or other activities like outdoor crafts, mindfulness, or exercise.
These changes were comparable to the benefits seen in short-term cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where individuals meet with a therapist for a period of several weeks to address mental health concerns. The research suggests that nature-based activities may serve as an effective complement to traditional therapeutic interventions, particularly for those struggling with mild to moderate mental health conditions.
Professor Peter Coventry, from the University of York’s Department of Health Sciences, emphasized that the key to these positive outcomes is the active and meaningful connection with nature. Activities like gardening, tending allotments, and care farming provide individuals with the opportunity to engage with nature in a purposeful way, which is linked to improved mental health. Furthermore, participating in these activities in a social context—alongside others from the local community—helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common contributors to anxiety and depression.
The research also highlighted that these benefits were observed across a wide age range, from 18 to 85 years, and among both men and women. Participants from low socioeconomic backgrounds, who often face additional barriers to mental health care, also showed notable improvements, particularly in the horticultural-based activities.
The study’s findings not only underscore the mental health benefits of nature-based activities but also demonstrate their potential to strengthen local communities. Trish Darcy, a research associate from the University’s Mental Health and Addiction Research Group, noted that green social prescribing could be especially beneficial for individuals in underserved areas, where traditional mental health resources may be scarce. The study found that 65% of participants came from low socioeconomic groups, which further emphasizes the accessibility and impact of nature-based interventions in these communities.
Furthermore, the study revealed that participation in horticultural activities has a dual benefit: it not only improves individual mental health but also enhances the local environment. This highlights the potential for these programs to contribute to both individual well-being and community development.
As the evidence supporting green social prescribing grows, there is a call for greater investment in community-based nature activities and the employment of green social prescribers. These professionals help connect patients with nature-based interventions that can supplement traditional medical treatments. There is a growing recognition that green spaces and nature should be integral to mental health services, offering a valuable resource for both healthcare providers and patients.
Anthony Hurd, the Green Social Prescribing Programme Manager for Humber and North Yorkshire, emphasized that the success of these programs highlights the importance of community organizations in supporting public health. He called for greater recognition and resources for these organizations, particularly as healthcare systems move towards more community-based, preventative models.
This study provides compelling evidence that nature-based activities can play a crucial role in improving mental health, especially for those with mild to moderate conditions. The positive outcomes seen in as little as 12 weeks demonstrate the potential of green social prescribing to complement traditional mental health treatments. Moving forward, increased investment in these programs could make them a standard option for patients across the UK and beyond, improving access to mental health support and enhancing overall well-being.
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