Share

Let’s go outside and use free green spaces for wellbeing

New guides showcasing local green spaces haves been created to encourage people to spend more time outdoors experiencing natural environments to the benefit of their physical and mental health.

9 locations have been chosen across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to make up the guides, which contain maps, photos and waymarked trails. Each location has a free downloadable route, iinstructions on how to get there, accessibility information, and details of what you can see and do.  

This is one of the outcomes from a two-year Green Social Prescribing project, run by a partnership between Energize STW (the active partnership for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, with support from both local authorities in our County. The project is all about encouraging people to access outdoor spaces to help improve their health and wellbeing.  

The guides have been designed for everyone; from those taking their first steps to get out in nature, to social prescribers based in GP surgeries across the county who want to help provide their patients with options to access free local green spaces.  

The 9 locations are available for everyone to view on the Shropshire Wildlife Trust website: www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/local-greenspaces  

A path overlooking a lake with ducks swimming on the surface

(c) Sharon Smith

Sharon Smith, Green Social Prescribing Officer at Energize STW and Shropshire Wildlife Trust said:  

“Our research has shown both social prescribers and the general public were needing more information about local green spaces which are free to access and enjoy. Our focus was around what we coined the 3 Ls – low cost, low level, and local. We wanted to showcase short routes that were accessible and not intimidating to beginners in nature, so nothing involving steep, long hikes. We selected walks that required very little, to no financial cost to visit and that were local, or on bus routes, so that car travel wouldn’t be a necessity” 

Abi Lowe-Werrell, Healthy Lives Adviser in Shropshire and a #TogetherWeMove Champion for Energize said: 

“Through my role as a Healthy Lives advisor, I have supported patients to make use of their local outdoor spaces, be it sitting on a bench down their street to watch the world go by, walking to the park with their children or taking an active role in a community project.  I have seen people improve their mental health through mindfulness and making connections with nature and other people.  Others have used outdoor space to support weight loss and have gained confidence in their body and ability for change.  Being in the outdoors can energise and inspire us” 

Cllr Carolyn Healy (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for climate action, green spaces, heritage and leisure said:

"Living in a green and sustainable borough is central to people living healthy lives, so it’s wonderful to see these guides being produced for some of Telford and Wrekin’s top walks.  

“As a council, we recognise the huge benefits our residents can experience by spending time surrounded by nature. That’s why we’ve been investing more than £4.5m to enhance Telford and Wrekin’s parks, nature reserves and walking and cycling routes – making our wonderful green spaces more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.” 

If you would like more information about the Green Social Prescribing project, please contact Sharon Smith at:  Sharon.Smith@energizestw.org.uk or 07903 018035.

Lets Go Outside partners 23

Editor's Notes

Further information on the benefits of nature connectedness among adults and children in the UK 

  • A ten-year survey from Natural England found that an individual's nature connectedness has a positive impact on their wellbeing and contentment. The Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey (MENE) has shown “people with high nature connectedness were 1.7 times more likely to report that their lives were worthwhile than those with low nature connectedness. People who visited nature at least once a week were 1.9 times more likely to also report good general health." Summary report here. 

  • The Mental Health Foundation’s 2021 report “Thriving with Nature - a guide for everyone. Making the most of the UK's natural spaces for our mental health and well-being” states: "Across multiple studies, researchers have found a fascinating link between access to green space, such as fields, forests, parks and gardens, and a reduced risk of mental health problems, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction. Other benefits include reduced stress, increased physical activity, and better physical health.” Summary report here.

Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin 

We are a local charity and one of 43 organisations within the Active Partnerships network who work collaboratively with local and national partners to create the conditions for an active nation using the power of sport and physical activity to transform lives. Our purpose is to improve people’s quality of life through the benefits of physical activity.  You can find out more about us at www.energizestw.org.uk. 

Related news