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Mental health practitioners from West London NHS Trust complete training with Dose of Nature at Pensford Field, Kew to deliver 10-week nature prescriptions for psychosis recovery, backed by a new LSE trial.

A landmark 2.5-year study by the London School of Economics (LSE) proves that Dose of Nature prescriptions significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness while offering high value for money.

We are delighted to share that the Chimo Trust has made a substantial new grant to support the next stage of Dose of Nature’s development, with a particular focus on expanding access for young people experiencing mental health challenges. We first began working with Chimo Trust in 2022, and from the outset they recognised both the urgency of the mental health crisis facing young people and the potential for nature-based interventions to play a meaningful role alongside existing services. At Dose of Nature, we believe that many people fall into the gap between early emotional distress and the threshold for specialist NHS support. Our nature prescriptions are designed to offer an accessible, non-stigmatising and evidence-based intervention that helps people reconnect — with themselves, with others and with the natural world. Over recent years, we have continued to build the evidence base for this approach, including through a randomised controlled trial conducted with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Our outcomes have consistently demonstrated levels of recovery and improvement that outperform average national talking therapy benchmarks, while delivering support in a way that feels more human, preventative and accessible. This new funding from Chimo Trust will support the development of our partnership model, enabling us to work alongside organisations across the UK to deliver Dose of Nature prescriptions for young people in both clinical and community settings. The aim is not only to expand access, but also to help build a scalable model that can support earlier intervention and long-term wellbeing in more communities. The timing of this support is particularly important. The recent interim report from the UK Government’s review into young people’s mental health highlighted the growing need for “earlier, less intensive and more accessible forms” of support beyond specialist clinical services. We believe nature-based interventions can play an important role in that future — especially when they are evidence-based, clinically informed and delivered through trusted community partnerships. We are hugely grateful to Chimo Trust for their continued belief in our work and for helping us take this next step toward making nature-based mental health support more widely available to the young people who need it most.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Dose of Nature team attended the wellbeing fair at Kingston College, joining staff and students in conversations about mental health, wellbeing and the importance of accessible support. Throughout the event, we spoke with students about their emotional wellbeing and some shared how the pressures of exam season were affecting them. Together, we explored simple ways to support mental health during stressful periods, including spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. Research shows that time in nature can help restore focus and attention, reduce feelings of stress and improve mood – all of which can be particularly valuable during periods of study and revision. Students were also invited to take part in a creative activity, designing their own nature-inspired decorations. These personalised keepsakes provided a fun opportunity for reflection and served as a reminder to take regular breaks, get outside and reconnect with the natural world. We were pleased to share information about Dose of Nature's services and to remind both students and college staff that young people aged 16–25 can self-refer to our service. Those interested in finding out more can learn about eligibility and access support through our young people's self-referral page . Thank you to Kingston College for welcoming us to the wellbeing fair and for helping to create space for important conversations about mental health. We enjoyed meeting so many students and sharing practical ways that nature can support wellbeing during challenging times.

On 13 March 2026, The Guardian featured the work of Dose of Nature as part of a wider story on how nature-based therapy is supporting people living with mental illness. For many participants, the impact has been profound. One described the experience simply as “it has changed my life,” while others spoke about feeling calmer, more connected, and better able to cope. At Dose of Nature, our work is grounded in the belief that mental healthcare should be integrated, preventative, and community-based. Nature-based therapy is not about replacing existing services, but strengthening them — offering clinically led, evidence-based support that works alongside traditional care. Our recent randomised controlled trial with the London School of Economics found that structured nature prescriptions can significantly improve outcomes for anxiety and depression, while also reducing costs. These findings reflect what participants already know: that time in nature, when guided and purposeful, can play a meaningful role in recovery. As the Guardian article highlights, this approach is gaining recognition not just for its impact, but for its potential to reshape how mental health support is delivered in the future. We are incredibly grateful to the participants, clinicians, partners and funders who are helping make this work possible. Read the full article to learn more about the people and stories behind this growing movement.

The Dose of Nature team attended the wellbeing fair at Roehampton University as part of the university's Mental Health Day, joining a range of organisations dedicated to supporting student health and wellbeing. Throughout the day, we had the opportunity to speak with many students about the important connection between nature and mental health. We shared how spending time outdoors and engaging with the natural world can support emotional wellbeing, reduce stress and help people feel more connected to themselves and others. We were also keen to raise awareness that young people aged 16–25 can self-refer to Dose of Nature, making it easier to access support when they need it. You can find out more about eligibility and how to self-refer through our website here . Our stand featured a creative activity where students were invited to design and decorate their own nature-inspired keepsakes. These personalised decorations served as both a reminder and an inspiration to spend more time outdoors, noticing and appreciating the natural world around them. It was wonderful to see so many students getting involved, sharing their creativity and reflecting on the ways nature supports their wellbeing. Thank you to Roehampton University for inviting us to be part of such an important event. We enjoyed meeting so many students and having meaningful conversations about mental health, wellbeing and the positive role that nature can play in supporting both.

Last week, Dose of Nature was invited to join the conversation on BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight, and also featured on the BBC World Service, to speak about the growing evidence behind nature-based mental health support. In the Radio 4 interview, Dr Alison Greenwood shared some of the science underpinning why time in nature can be beneficial for mental wellbeing. She spoke about self-repeating fractal patterns, the patterns found throughout the natural world, and how exposure to these increases alpha waves in our brains, which are an indicator of a wakefully relaxed state. The discussion also explored the idea of the “small self” theory: the experience of stepping into wider natural environments and feeling part of something larger. Rather than diminishing us, this shift in perspective can be reassuring and grounding. As Dr Greenwood reflected in the interview, this is perhaps because we are nature, not separate from it, and reconnecting with natural environments can help us remember that.  Dr Greenwood also highlighted the role of natural soundscapes, including the sound of moving water, and how these consistent sensory experiences can support relaxation and attention. These small but significant interactions with the natural world form part of what makes guided time in nature a meaningful addition to mental health support. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a wider public conversation about accessible, preventative approaches to mental health, and to share more about how nature-based interventions are being used alongside existing services. You can listen to the Radio 4 interview here .

We were delighted to take part once again in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, welcoming Dose of Nature clients, volunteers and staff to a calm and rewarding morning at Pensford Field. Although the session began dull and damp, the weather gradually improved — bringing bursts of sunshine and a flurry of bird activity. We spotted several different species, including our charming regulars like robins, blue tits, and goldfinches. Particularly encouraging were sightings of six chaffinches, a coal tit, and multiple crows and gulls flying overhead. Thanks to our bird-friendly setup — including recently installed feeders — we were able to spot birds across the site, with many active around hedgerows and trees. Although some species remained elusive this time, the variety and number recorded are an encouraging sign of the field’s ecological richness even in midwinter. As ever, this annual count is more than just a peaceful morning outdoors. With many garden birds now appearing on the RSPB’s list of Birds of Conservation Concern, each local survey helps monitor shifts in bird populations and highlights where action is most needed. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event such a success! Learn more about the Big Garden Birdwatch and how you can take part here .

Winter is well underway, and for many people this time of year can feel particularly heavy. Shorter days, colder weather and reduced daylight can impact our mood, energy levels and motivation. It’s completely natural to feel this seasonal shift — but there are gentle, supportive ways to beat the winter blues. In a recent collaboration with Children United, Dr Georgina Gould from Dose of Nature spoke about the powerful role nature can play in supporting mental health through winter. While it can be tempting to stay indoors, spending time outside — even briefly — can make a meaningful difference to how we feel. Dr Gould highlights that getting into natural spaces during winter can help regulate our body clock, boost mood and provide a sense of calm and perspective. Exposure to natural light, fresh air and green space supports emotional wellbeing and helps counter some of the challenges that winter can bring. Nature doesn’t have to mean long walks or big plans. It can be as simple as: A short walk in a local park Stepping outside for fresh air and natural light Noticing seasonal changes in trees, sky and wildlife Taking a mindful moment outdoors At Dose of Nature, we see every day how time in nature can help people feel more grounded, connected and supported — even in the colder months. Winter may already be here, but it’s not too late to build small, restorative moments outdoors into your routine. We were proud to contribute to the Children United video on supporting wellbeing through winter and to share Dr Gould’s insights on the benefits of nature for mental health. Watch the video to hear Dr Georgina Gould share how connecting with nature can support you through the winter months.