Prescription for Nature in Marden

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Marden Medical Centre with our Patient Participation Group (PPG), Marden Wildlife and Marden Parish Council have collaborated to develop the Prescription for Nature Project in Marden.

Nature prescribing, also known as green social prescribing, is a means of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The approach is based on growing evidence that spending time in natural spaces can have positive effects on physical and mental health including reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. 

Successful schemes have been piloted in other parts of the country. We were keen to develop a local scheme which encourages people to connect with the beautiful countryside and nature spots we have in and around Marden but also to engage with the enthusiasm and expertise of the local wildlife, nature and wellbeing groups in the village.  We were inspired by the findings of the RSPB Nature Prescriptions project.

Patients who may benefit from the scheme will have an initial discussion with a healthcare professional on the benefits of nature, supported by a leaflet (or prescription) with self-paced suggestions to connect with local nature resources.

Patients will also be given a pack of nature postcards with beautiful local images which we hope will support the information given on the prescription leaflet but also act as a resource to trigger positive thoughts and emotions.

When you come into the surgery, please also enjoy the beautiful nature photos in the corridor at the end of the building. These were kindly donated by a local wildlife enthusiast.

The initial project is a pilot which will run for 6 months.

If you feel you would benefit from this project, and have a clinical need, please either go online or contact reception to book a routine appointment with a clinician

For more information on the project, local wildlife activities and a map of local nature spots please visit Marden Wildlife Group website.

Published: Jan 16, 2024