Strong links have been proven between health and outdoor Nature experiences. Nature deficit disorder describes the psychological, physical and cognitive costs of human alienation from Nature, particularly for children in their vulnerable developing years.

Cost effective early management of major threats to public health is important both for clinical and public health practice, and from a policy perspective. Sustainable urban planners and urban designers have the ability to address the UK’s top 6 health concerns of deprivation, obesity, low physical activity, poor mental and physical health and climate change through quality experiences of Nature.

Evidence shows natural experience leads to both short and long term improvements in health. All age groups benefit, but particularly the young and the old. The outcomes from well designed green environments and in particular the cost benefits of green health care are described. Our experience confirms both Nature’s ability to provide a cost effective national health service and the need to link local health care providers with landscape professionals, to ensure the development of appropriate green spaces throughout the community.

Making the world a better place was never so important, or as much fun, as now. In partnership with the new GP consortia and Health and Well Being Boards, suitably experienced landscape designers have the opportunity to provide specific solutions to specific problems. Healthy communities depend on true partnerships, with high quality green space at their heart.

Sustainable landscape professionals know how to engage communities to design environments that captures the health potential inherit in Nature. Existing studies prove the case. Nature health interventions can provide cost-effective management of a range of conditions. What we need now are people prepared to act to achieve the environments people need to live healthy, productive lives.

To see projects we have worked on and ideas for future developments, please click here.

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