Natural Health Service

The Natural Health Service

The Natural Health Service uses the natural environment to improve health and wellbeing across Merseyside and North Cheshire. 

We see the natural environment – our parks, woodlands and other green spaces – as a vitally important health asset; places that can contribute to the prevention and treatment of physical and mental health conditions.

Our range of evidence-based services use the natural environment as the basis for their delivery and effectiveness and are available to the NHS, local authorities and other commissioners as part of a holistic approach to health and social care. 

Health Walks – Walking activities tailored to individual needs and designed to help meet target exercise and physical activity levels whilst improving mental wellbeing.  

Horticultural Therapy – Gardening and food growing activities in a social setting. Encourages moderate physical activity and improves mental wellbeing through giving a sense of purpose and achievement.  

Mindful contact with nature – Specifically developed nature-based mindfulness practice. Improves mental health and increases resilience towards day-to-day triggers of stress, depression and anxiety. Shown to increase capacity to self-manage long-term chronic conditions.  

Healthy Conservation – Improving a participant’s strength and stamina through nature-based conservation projects, boosting practical skills and confidence, increasing physical activity and building social networks.  

Forest school – Targeted at increasing physical activity and improving mental wellbeing of young people. Forest School is an innovative approach to outdoor play and learning, inspiring through positive outdoor experiences.