Green social prescribing
Beds RCC is at the forefront of developing green social prescribing in Bedfordshire - nature-based activities that support health and wellbeing. We have a range of offers - click on each to find out more.
Home-based Nature Connection - Our home-based green social prescribing offer supports wellbeing through nature connection for people who are confined to their home or local area, and are unable to attend local groups.
Walk Buddies - Linking residents with a local volunteer 'Walk Buddy' to accompany them on a walk from their home, following their care plan to build confidence and help improve their health and wellbeing.
Nature and Wellbeing Sessions across Bedfordshire - recharge and unwind at one of our seasonal sessions in a relaxing natural environment - from forest bathing to getting creative. Part of our programme to support adult mental health.
Dunstable Community Halls Community Garden - our wellbeing garden in the heart of Dunstable. A place to relax, grow food and enjoy the company of others.
Rails to Roots Community Garden - based at Ridgmont Heritage Centre, this garden project is accessible from Bedford train station along the Marston Vale line. It’s a great way to grow food, meet others and get active. Meets fortnightly on Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm. See video below.
MEET: Men, Exercise, Engage, Talk - a regular group for 18-35 year old men in Golden Garden, Goldington, Bedford, providing a chance to get active, engage with garden and fitness activities and talk to one other in a relaxed, open space. MEET is currently paused until 5th of July 2026.
Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers - a regular group that meets on Tuesdays in the eastern part of the county to undertake nature conservation tasks. A great way to get active out in nature, learn new skills and to meet new people.
Wellbeing Walks - co-ordinating the network of over 30 regular Ramblers Wellbeing Walks across Bedfordshire. These walks are free and last about an hour, aimed at those who particularly benefit from walking in local green spaces for their wellbeing.
Friends of Jubilee Park - monthly practical volunteering tasks to enhance this park in Bedford, plus weekly walks to support wellbeing.
BigglesBike App-bike hire - bikes available to hire via an app at low cost to get around Biggleswade or explore its Green Wheel. Our social prescribing clients are offered a free monthly subscription for 3 months - with 2 hours free hire a day, then £1 an hour thereafter - to support their mental and physical health.
for more information about any of the offers above, please email nicola.scholfield@bedsrcc.org.uk or call Nicola on 07984 275652.
Rails to Roots
Further information
Our work in Green Social Prescribing includes:
- Mapping and profile raising of local nature-based activities
- Delivering new Green Social Prescribing offers through our own assets and partnership working
- Building capacity among local environment groups to support wellbeing through green activities
- Exploring initiatives to improve participation among groups that experience health inequalities
If you would like further information about this work or would like to be involved, please contact Nicola Scholfield, Nicola.scholfield@bedsrcc.org.uk or call 07984 275652
Resources
The Green Social Prescribing Toolkit
nhs-green-social-prescribing-toolkit.pdf (socialprescribingacademy.org.uk)
A resource about the learning that has arisen from the targeted Green Social Prescribing programme to tackle and prevent mental ill-health. The purpose of the toolkit is to offer a ‘how to’ guide for those people
who have responsibility for, or a role in, starting, developing, or growing green social prescribing schemes.
A Handbook for Nature on Prescription to support mental health
Nature on Prescription Handbook - European Centre for Environment and Human Health | ECEHH
With evidence based recommendations for developing and implementing effective mental health interventions through nature-based activities.
The Nature Connection Handbook
the-nature-connection-handbook.pdf (wordpress.com).
This sets out some of the benefits of connecting to nature to our wellbeing and pro-nature/environmental actions.
It also introduces the 5 pathways to nature connection, plus case studies of how different organisations have applied these pathways to promote nature connection and wellbeing through their environmental programmes.
How connecting with nature benefits our mental health
Nature: How connecting with nature benefits our mental health | Mental Health Foundation
Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.
National Academy of Social Prescribing
https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/resources/nature-evidence/
Links to the evidence reviews commissioned by Natural England relating to time spent in nature and mental and physical health for adults and children, and the NHS commissioned review and briefing that focuses on the role of nature-based social prescribing.