Green Space and Health

This complex set of relationships is sometimes referred to as ‘planetary health’ and is increasingly recognised as a critical perspective in health creation. We summarise the international evidence base demonstrating the benefits of green space for physical and mental health and wellbeing, and describe how these benefits (and the impacts of environmental degradation) are unequally divided across our communities, exacerbating health inequalities. Access to green space is recognised as one of the determinants of health and ‘green' prescriptions are increasingly being used by healthcare professionals to deliver health benefits for patients. This course explores the implications for healthcare and the design of clinical settings. Using real world examples we illustrate how you can integrate this approach into your own practice and maximise the potential of green space on your site.

We also consider the leadership role healthcare staff (at any level) can play in providing healthcare for all within planetary boundaries. As healthcare professionals we cannot stand on the sidelines; we have a duty of care to our patients, communities, and the natural world which is our life support system. There are many important ways to make a difference and this course is a starting point.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

1. Understand the complex relationship between human health and the health of the natural world.
2. Summarise the evidence for the health benefits of engaging with green space.
3. Describe the principles of nature-based interventions and nature connectedness.
4. Understand how this knowledge can be applied to promote health and healing in the community and healthcare settings.
5. Plan your own ‘green space for health’ initiative.

Course Structure

This course is delivered in three parts:

1. Self-study online
2. Live workshop online
3. Ongoing Mentoring