While research consistently proves that contact with nature reduces stress and supports recovery, there are often significant barriers preventing patients, staff and communities from accessing these areas.
To bridge this gap, NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health Programme launched the Nature Rehabilitation Ranger Service. One year later, we are looking back at how the service was set up and the incredible outcomes it has already achieved.
The Service employs two part-time Rangers whose role is to maximise the therapeutic role of greenspaces, support patient and staff wellbeing, and create a healthier, more welcoming and biodiverse environment.
The Rangers were assigned to Astley Ainslie Hospital and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, which are vastly different sites in terms of natural environment and types of medical care provided, each bringing their own challenges and competing demands.
These sites were selected because they were identified as NHS Lothian’s largest greenspace assets, scored high for biodiversity, and addressed a resource gap, as all other major NHS Lothian sites already hosted Green Health initiatives, supported by NHS Lothian Charity.
Year one achievements
The first year has been a testament to the power of nature-based intervention. The service recorded 1,181 Green Health engagements with patients and staff in just 12 months.
Supporting Staff Wellbeing: 58% of engagements were with staff. At the RIE, weekly guided walks and workshops helped mitigate high levels of stress and burnout for those on the front lines.
Deep Patient Engagement: At the Astley Ainslie, the Ranger provided sustained support through repeated interactions, including recurring workshops for patients in the Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme.
Biodiversity Wins: The service isn’t just for humans; it’s for the planet. We planted 20,000 pollinator-friendly bulbs across the RIE to create a more welcoming and biodiverse environment.
As we move into year two, the goal is clear: to continue breaking down barriers to the outdoors. By treating our greenspace as a health asset, we are not just improving biodiversity, we are helping our community heal.
Find out more about the Green Health programme here https://greenhealth.nhslothiancharity.org/
