04 Aug 2026
Northumberland Coast National Landscape team
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has provided funding for a pilot project of green social prescribing sessions on a farm within the National Landscape. The success of this programme means that we are now able to run another series of sessions over the summer.
Rural communities can experience reduced access to services, geographic isolation and limited public transport, which can lead to greater inequality and poorer health outcomes.
Green social prescribing is a relatively new concept whereby GPs or social care professionals can prescribe nature-based well-being sessions to improve physical and mental health. Improved social connection, increased physical activity and access to nature are beneficial ways to move to a more preventative and person centred approach to health care and also reducing pressure on local health services.
Engagement with nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve physical health and mental wellbeing, and support the prevention and management of long-term conditions. The concept is simple- nature has the power to heal and play an integral role in transforming people’s lives.
Initially there was a great deal of preparatory work to do- connecting the team at the farm with health and social services and specialist therapists to map the needs of the clients and what the project could provide. Building strong relationships takes time, and is integral to this work and to build longer term partnerships.
Together we developed a six week pilot project that was tailored to the interests and needs of the individuals.
Six groups of clients took part, including people living with dementia and teenage carer leavers. The sessions were held at Fenham Farm, which has a beautiful view to the island of Lindisfarne. People took part in a in a variety of activities including:
Preparation for the programme and tailoring each visit took a lot of planning, but the results were overwhelmingly positive and the time invested was worth it. We are looking forward to the next phase of the project and the benefits that we hope they will bring to the local community.
