Green Social Prescribing (GSP) is the practice of connecting people to nature-based activities, such as community gardens, conservation projects, animal-assisted programmes and guided time outdoors, through social prescribing link workers, GPs and other health professionals. Instead of relying solely on medication or traditional clinical interventions, it offers people structured ways to spend time in nature, build relationships and regain confidence in everyday life.
Across the UK, there is growing recognition that time in nature is a powerful protective factor for mental and physical health. Evidence from national pilots and research programmes shows that nature-based activities can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood and sleep, increase levels of physical activity and strengthen social connections for people who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed. For people living with long-term conditions, gentle outdoor activity and meaningful roles, such as caring for animals, growing food or supporting conservation, can help manage stress, improve resilience, and restore a sense of purpose.
Not everyone has equal access to safe, welcoming green spaces. People on low incomes, carers, those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and people from marginalised communities often face practical, social and emotional barriers to getting outside: transport costs, lack of confidence, fears about safety, or simply not knowing where to start. Green Social Prescribing bridges this gap by creating supported pathways into nature, with qualified staff and volunteers on hand to welcome people, adapt activities and build trust over time.
For the health system, GSP also represents a cost-effective, preventative approach. By helping people manage stress, loneliness and low mood earlier, it can reduce pressure on primary care, support self-management of long-term conditions and contribute to healthier communities. This aligns strongly with NHS priorities around prevention, personalised care and addressing the wider social and environmental factors that drive poor health.
For individuals, the benefits are personal and immediate:
A safe, non-judgemental space to be outside and “breathe again”
Gentle movement and fresh air, rather than sitting alone at home
The chance to learn new skills and develop a sense of achievement
Connection with others who understand what they are going through
Support from qualified and trained staff who can notice when someone is struggling and respond appropriately
In rural and semi-rural areas like north Oxfordshire, the natural environment is an enormous untapped asset. Farms, woodlands and community green spaces can become healing environments, especially when activities are co-designed with people who have lived experience of poor mental health or long-term conditions. Green Social Prescribing turns these places into structured, reliable opportunities that health professionals can confidently refer people to.
However, access to truly local, well-supported GSP offers is still patchy. Many programmes are short-term, project-funded, or based a long way from where people live. That means the people who might benefit the most, those with limited income, mobility issues, caring responsibilities or anxiety about travel, are often the ones least able to reach them.
We are developing a project that will respond directly to this gap by providing a consistent, specialist-supported Green Social Prescribing offer in the Oxford area. By working closely with GPs and social prescribing link workers, we can ensure that people who are struggling with their mental health, isolation or long-term conditions are actively connected to a safe, nature-rich place where they can rebuild confidence, community and wellbeing.
In short, Green Social Prescribing is important because it gives people something very simple and very human: structured, supported time in nature, with others, in a place that feels like it belongs to them.
We are currently raising funds to support the operation of our Green Social Prescribing project (GSP), and keep places affordable for those who need them most.
If you are able to support us with a one-off or regular donation, or would like to discuss other ways of giving, please get in touch – your contribution will make a real difference to people’s wellbeing in our local community.