Jointly lead by Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, the Green Spaces Project explores and promotes the health benefits of nature-based activities at a system-wide level, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Green social prescribing is the practice of supporting people in improving their mental and physical health through prescribed engagement in nature-based activities, alongside or occasionally instead of medical prescriptions. Ongoing evidence proves that nature based social prescribing plays an important role in improving mental and physical wellbeing and saves the NHS time and money.

The project recently released several new videos focused on local nature-based activity providers, with the aim of reassuring and giving confidence to individuals who have been prescribed a green session with one of these providers. The videos cover activities at Attingham Park, Crowsmill Craft Centre, and with Get Out Get Arty, and highlight how spending time connecting with nature helps to boost wellbeing.

These new videos join a suite of informative resources, produced throughout the project, which aim to support both social prescribing providers, and members of the public who are interested in accessing the service. Covering the benefits of movement, connectivity, and being outside in nature, the opportunities available locally, and advice on the ways to get referred, these resources raise awareness of green social prescribing.

Jessica Bradbury, Director of Communities and Health for Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said:

“Our strong partnership is helping communities create more opportunities for people to live well by moving and connecting in nature. We are committed to expanding our reach so more people can easily access green spaces as part of their everyday lives. This work supports a more inclusive, preventative approach to health, enabling people and communities to thrive through being active in nature.”

Anna Martin, Community Empowerment Officer at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said:

“Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can make a real difference to how we feel. There’s growing evidence that it can support both our physical and mental health — from reducing stress and anxiety to improving overall wellbeing. In Shropshire, there are some brilliant opportunities to get involved, meet others, and spend time in nature. We hope these videos help people discover some of the activities available and feel more confident about giving something new a try.”

Despite the projects funding (provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) ending in December 2025, Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Wildlife Trust remain committed to championing green social prescribing within Shropshire.

The Green Spaces Project videos can be viewed here: https://energizestw.org.uk/green-social-prescribing