Being outdoors, especially in natural spaces, can improve our mental health and wellbeing.
This was instrumental in the NHS and SNH Our Natural Health Service.
Outdoors and nature has relaxation, restoration and therapeutic qualities for everyone, and is often applied in formal therapeutic interventions.
There is increasing clear research evidence on the Impact of greenspace on wellbeing.
The Institute for Outdoor Learning Mental Health Wellbeing Statement purposefully sets out a view on competence when combining mental health and well-being interventions with outdoor-learning.
You may find watching this video of Dr William Bird, founder of Paths for All, valuable in explaining the impact of greenspace on mental health and social wellbeing.
Within East Ayrshire the John Muir Award was piloted as a vehicle for Nurture in Nature in a primary school. This Nature for Nurture case study outlines the process and steps taken.
More ideas can be found on the Mind website.
Some schools and supported learning bases have implemented their own nurture and nature programmes for both individuals and groups. This Nature Nurture Framework of Support has been used and may be useful.
