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We are delighted that our work at Dose of Nature has been featured in The Times in an article exploring the growing recognition of nature as a powerful therapeutic tool for mental health. In The New Prescription for Depression: Get Outside, journalist Emily Retter highlights the mounting evidence that nature is not just a pleasant backdrop to recovery—but a direct, physiological intervention that can improve mental health outcomes. The piece features our founder, Dr Alison Greenwood, and our clinical lead, Dr Georgina Gould, who share how our eight-week nature prescription programme—offered across the boroughs of Richmond and Kingston, and in Guildford—has now been prescribed by over 60 GPs, delivering meaningful results, with efficacy rates that consistently outperform equivalent NHS interventions. From the benefits of breathing in phytoncides and listening to birdsong, to the grounding effects of noticing fractals in tree branches and touching soil, the article showcases the science behind what many of us intuitively feel: nature heals. With over 2,000 people supported so far, we remain committed to making nature-based mental health interventions more widely available and accessible. This feature is a vital step in raising awareness and driving forward the shift towards prescribing time in nature as a clinical tool, not just a lifestyle choice. You can read the full article on The Times website (subscription required), and find out more about our work at doseofnature.org.uk.

We’re delighted that Dose of Nature has been featured in the Financial Times Weekend, with Global Health Editor Sarah Neville, spotlighting the growing impact of our nature-based mental health programme. Being recognised in a national publication is a meaningful moment for us—and more importantly, it affirms the stories of transformation we witness every day. The article explores how supported time in nature is helping individuals manage complex mental health challenges, often after years of struggling within the traditional system. One participant shared: “It unlocked an inner confidence and self-assuredness that I’ve never had before in my life.” Another reflected: “When your mind is so frantic... if you can start to hear the birds sing, suddenly it can tune you into the present. It reframes your human experience.” The article highlights that the programme has “consistently outperformed equivalent NHS interventions,” even for those with more severe or complex needs. Studies referenced in the piece show significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a measurable reduction in GP contact following participation. We’re grateful to the Financial Times for recognising the value of nature in healing—and to all those who continue to place their trust in us as they begin their journey towards mental health recovery. You can read the full article in the attached PDF or find it on the Financial Times website (subscription required).

As part of the RHS Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice, students at RHS Garden Wisley design and build a community garden for a local organisation each year. We’re thrilled to announce that Lucy Stephens’ garden, The Glade , has been chosen as the winning design for 2025 and will be brought to life at Dose of Nature’s Guildford site at the National Trust’s Dapdune Wharf. Dose of Nature helps people reconnect with nature to boost their wellbeing and find a sense of calm, balance, and connection. This new garden will become a central part of our programme in Guildford, offering a tranquil and inspiring space for clients to explore, reflect, and take part in gentle outdoor activities. Designed with soft curves and naturalistic planting, The Glade evokes the peacefulness of a woodland clearing — a place of sanctuary and light. Lucy’s beautiful hand-drawn illustrations helped bring the design vividly to life, capturing the garden’s flow and feel. The space will feature a yoga lawn, sensory planting, a craft gazebo, and areas for both quiet reflection and social connection. “We were inspired by all the designs but decided on The Glade because the imagery of a light clearing in the dark resonated with us and our work. Our clients will be able to seek refuge and peace here, and access our group activities in a truly restorative setting.” – Dr Cat Huckle, Lead Psychologist, Dose of Nature Lucy and her fellow students presented their concepts to a panel of community representatives. The Glade stood out for its accessibility, emotional resonance, and stunning visual interpretation. "I am so excited to have my design for Dose of Nature chosen! Being a gardener, I see first-hand how restorative, and healing nature can be, and I am honoured that my design will be used to bring this to others through the wonderful work that Dose of Nature carries out. It will be a dream come true to see my plan come to life!" Level 4 Diploma in Horticultural Practice student, Lucy Stephens The build will take place at the end of June, led by Lucy alongside landscape tutor David Wallbridge and the RHS Level 4 cohort. We’re so grateful to the RHS for this inspiring collaboration and can’t wait to see Lucy’s vision take shape on the ground.

Dose of Nature was proud to be part of Sounds of Blossom , Kew Gardens’ springtime celebration blending music, blossom, and wellbeing. Visitors were invited to stroll through Kew’s blossom hotspots while enjoying original compositions by students of the Royal College of Music — and to take mindful pauses along the way. As part of the trail, Dose of Nature created five wellbeing signs placed at natural landmarks around the Gardens. See below, each sign showcasing the five ‘active ingredients’ of nature — simple, science-backed ways that connecting with nature can improve our mental health. 1) Tree-laxation – panel near a large tree Stand under a large tree and look up! Notice the patterns of the branches, as they get smaller and smaller. These self-repeating patterns are called “fractals” and exist everywhere in the natural world. Scientists have discovered that when we look at fractal patterns, there’s an increase in alpha wave activity in our brains, a sign of a “wakefully- relaxed state” – and who doesn’t want to feel more of that?” 2) Nature sounds – panel by some running water Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you – notice how you feel when you hear the birds singing, or water running. How does this compare with when you hear an aeroplane or a car engine? Listening to the sounds of nature can make us feel happier, calmer and less stressed. We find comfort in these sounds because they are familiar to our brains, whilst the sounds of the modern world are unfamiliar and perceived by our brains as potential threats. 3) Phytoncides – panel near pine trees Take a deep breath in through your nose – what can you smell? Even if you can’t smell anything, you are breathing in “phytoncides”. These are the chemicals that all trees and plants give off to protect themselves from threats such as fungi and bacteria. Breathing in these phytoncides increases natural killer cells in the blood, boosting immune functioning, reducing stress and improving sleep. 4) Soil bacteria – panel near clean soil Bend down and touch the soil, feel it beneath your fingers, sniff it, write your name in it with a stick! There is growing evidence to suggest that breathing in, playing in, digging in, and even eating dirt may be good for our health. The microorganism in soil called “mycobacterium vaccae” has been found to have a positive impact on mood, vitality, and even cognitive functioning. 5) Awe in nature – panel in front of something awe-inspiring Look straight ahead! Notice how you feel when you look at something stunningly beautiful in nature. Sometimes we experience goosebumps or a tingly feeling down the back of the spine at the sight of something truly spectacular – it’s awe-inspiring! Experiencing ‘awe’ as often as we can is good for our mental health. Researchers have found the more awe we have in our lives, the less stressed and more contented we seem to be! Together, these signs encouraged visitors to slow down, engage their senses, and discover the science of how nature supports our wellbeing. To learn more about the event, visit the Kew Gardens website .

Helping young people support their mental health through increased engagement with the natural world We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new schools-based initiative, “A Dose of Nature for Christ’s Students” , a pilot programme designed to bring the proven benefits of nature directly into the school environment. This innovative partnership with Christ’s School in Richmond is part of our mission to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people through regular, meaningful engagement with the natural world. Backed by over 40 years of scientific research, our programme offers a structured yet creative way to empower teenagers with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. What the Programme Includes: PSHE Lessons for Year 8 Over four lessons during the summer term, students will explore how time in nature can reduce stress, improve focus, and support better mental health. These sessions include hands-on, sensory-based activities and time spent outdoors—designed to help students feel the difference nature can make. Six-Week Nature for Wellbeing Courses Small groups of students from Years 7–10 , identified as needing additional emotional support, will take part in weekly sessions led by our experienced psychologists . Each week introduces a different “key ingredient” of nature—from colour and movement to pattern and sound—to help students better understand how to use nature to regulate their mood and strengthen their resilience. Parent & Carer Engagement Parents and carers will be invited to a one-off talk to learn about the science behind our approach, along with practical ideas for encouraging young people to spend more time outside—both independently and as a family. Early Feedback from Students: “I could not have imagined a more life-changing experience.” — Mark, 18 “Dose of Nature has helped relieve so much stress… I feel happier and more confident.” — Roshin, 16 “It gave me hope for the rest of the week.” — Jasmine, 15 We know that nature isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our goal is to equip young people with tools they can carry for life: the ability to slow down, to reconnect, and to find peace in the green spaces around them. This pilot is just the beginning. We hope to expand the programme to more schools across the region, creating a ripple effect of resilience, confidence, and calm. If you’re interested in bringing a Dose of Nature to your school, get in touch today at info@doseofnature.org.uk or v i sit www.doseofnature.org.uk 

On 24 January 2025, Dose of Nature clients, volunteers, and team members gathered at Pensford Field to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch — a nationwide event running from 24–26 January. After a stormy week, we were delighted to enjoy calm weather, perfect for spotting wildlife. Together, we recorded 10 different bird species, including a particularly magical moment when three robins were spotted together by one of our wonderful volunteers. Our findings have now been submitted to the RSPB to contribute to their national survey. The Big Garden Birdwatch isn’t just about enjoying nature — it plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of UK bird populations. Many species, including much-loved garden birds, are now on the RSPB’s list of Birds of Conservation Concern. Each bird counted helps paint a clearer picture of how our wildlife is doing — and where help is needed most. We’re proud that our peaceful corner at Pensford Field is providing a welcoming haven for so many birds. Thank you to everyone who took part and made it such a special day.  Find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch on the RSPB website .

We are pleased to announce that Richmond Council have agreed to grant Dose of Nature (DoN) a new lease for Pensford Field from September 2025. The Council’s decision reflects a shared commitment to addressing an urgent mental health crisis within the Borough and beyond. Our volunteer-led charity has demonstrated the therapeutic power of nature, providing much-needed services to individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, with higher efficacy and lower cost than more established options. Our Nature Prescriptions are currently constrained to support around 300 people annually with the arrangement at present, and with this new lease we are set to expand to 500 people per year. This means more vulnerable groups and children who have been hardest hit by the ongoing mental health crisis benefitting from our innovative programme. Beyond mental health benefits, we are committed to increasing wider, resident, community and schools’ access to the Field, as well as guaranteeing the continued access by the current users, such as beekeeping, Darell School children and local nurseries, and community activities and events such as the Pensford Field Sum mer Picnic and the Wassail. All this we will do whilst continuing to consider the ecological impact of our endeavours. Dose of Nature’s work is deeply rooted in environmental conservation, and we will protect and further improve this unique urban ecological space. Our nature-based therapeutic approach complements the preservation of Pensford Field’s unique ecosystem. Small group sizes and minimal environmental footprint ensure that conservation remains a priority while offering life-changing health benefits to the community​. The evolving use of Pensford Field is an evolution that reflects the growing need for green spaces to serve both ecological and human health functions. Every step will be eco-conscious and sustainable in a way that is nurturing to this beautiful green natural space and sensitive to our surrounding neighbours, using local people’s enthusiasm and expertise to fulfil this exciting community conscious transition. With biodiversity at its heart, we would hope to showcase to other London Boroughs and beyond what can be done with a small patch of outdoor green space, both for the benefit of the environment and the benefit of people in the community. As our original hub, Dose of Nature's presence at Pensford Field has provided the opportunity to scientifically track and validate our proof-of-concept as a nature-based mental health charity that works closely with the NHS. Our partnership with the London School of Economics for a year-long research project related to mental health and environmental conservation will provide further evidence, as we expand to other locations. All these successes have helped us to garner national coverage and interest in our innovative charity. A more firmly established presence at the Field will help secure our national influence as a charity transforming the way mental health is addressed. The transition of the Pensford Field lease to Dose of Nature will provide a sustainable future for the Field and local community use, as well as expanding its impact on mental health, ensuring its conservation for generations to come. We look forward to working with the Council and the Pensford Field Environmental Trust trustees on this transition. They have created a wonderful legacy.

Dose of Nature took to the stage to present ‘A Dose of Nature in Community: An Alternative Professional Practice Model by Counselling Psychologists’ at the British PsychologicalSociety’s Annual Counselling Psychology Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. The 2024 conference celebrated 30 years of counselling psychology in the UK with the conference theme: ‘Dancing between the forest of life and the digital jungle’. The two-day event explored the role of natural psychological support in a highly digitalised world. Team member, Romina, represented Dose of Nature at the event, speaking about the science of why our ‘Nature Prescriptions’ improved the mental health of those that completed their programme in 2022- 2023 by up to 92%. It was a delight to speak with fellow Counselling Psychologists and Psychotherapists and learn that practitioners are enthusiastic about working with the science of Nature as part of their practice.

We were delighted to welcome the RHS Community Outreach Team to our base at Dapdune Wharf for their team away day. We spent time sharing information about the active ingredients of nature but had plenty of opportunities for engaging with nature and having a bit of fun too! Some beautiful gifts in nature were left for other visitors to the site to enjoy.