Reaping the mental health benefits of the South Downs National Park
September 8, 2023
“It’s so good for the soul”
Just one of the dozens of positive comments from a busy summer of wellbeing sessions that have connected scores of people with the amazing wildlife, history and landscape of the South Downs National Park.
A range of groups have reaped the rewards of getting out into stunning beauty spots, including carers, people dealing with loneliness, isolation and mental and physical health issues, as well as healthcare staff working in the NHS and voluntary sectors.
Sessions have included conservation work, tree identification, pottery and art making, mindfulness, and, of course, walking.
Kate Drake, Health and Wellbeing Officer for the National Park, said: “It’s been a busy and rewarding summer for the National Park’s health and wellbeing work.
“National Parks have often been described as the ‘natural health service’ and the positive testimonials we have received from participants really reinforce just how beneficial green spaces can be for mental health and wellness. Something as simple as going for a walk in a National Park can be incredibly restorative.
“None of the work we do would be possible without the fantastic range of partners and providers from across the community who help deliver these sessions. Green social prescribing supports people’s non-clinical needs and, while it’s still in its infancy, I think it’s an area that will continue to grow and National Parks will have a big part to play. Everyone should have access to green space, whether it be a local park or a National Park, for the numerous mental and physical health benefits.”
Among this year’s projects are:
- Timescape Residency – Sessions have been run from Amberley Museum in West Sussex to learn about cultural heritage and traditional artisan techniques. Meanwhile, at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire, people have been learning a variety of techniques, including cordaging, making willow bird feeders, raku clay, felting, weaving, and pottery. An exhibition of the work will be taking place this autumn.
- Wellbeing sessions have been delivered to staff working at MIND, NHS, Alzheimer’s Society, Carers Support and the RSPB. Opportunities for staff to connect to nature included mindful walks and making and creating artwork.
- Walks and creative workshops at Pulborough Brooks, delivered in partnership with Worthing-based Creative Waves, a community arts group.
- Guided ranger walks and learning about nature identification at Church Copse, near Worthing, and heathland nature walks at Iron Hill, near Liphook.
- Wellbeing sessions for carers and families needing extra support at Seven Sisters Country Park, including nature spotting, mindfulness and creating bird feeders.
- Working with West Sussex Carers Support to support carers’ wellbeing. This is a 12-month project working with Wild Gathering CIC, supporting connection to green and blue spaces in West Sussex. This project provides carers with respite from their caring responsibilities through mindful walks and creating artwork.
Feedback from participants has been glowing.
One said: “I loved learning about trees and spending time in the woods. So good for the soul.”
Another said: “‘The session was wonderful. Having time for myself and learning about butterflies and insects was so special. I loved being mindful and seeing the beautiful views.”
The NHS Long Term Plan puts more emphasis on prevention, including social prescribing.
Mental illness accounts for 23 per cent of all ill-health in England and affects more than one in four of the population at any time. With over 50 per cent of the population living within one hour’s travel of a National Park, the National Parks can support measures to help improve health and wellbeing objectives.
For more details on the National Park’s work, including information for healthcare professionals, visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing
Main feature image by James Ratchford