Green Health

Our natural health service

Contact with nature can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Hospital courtyards and gardens create therapeutic spaces for patients and breathing spaces for staff. This is why Green Health has been highlighted as a long term strategic priority for NHS Lothian Charity. Through our Green Health programme, we work in partnership with NHS Lothian to enhance the NHS estate and community greenspaces, and connect more patients and staff to therapeutic activities within them.

Project Highlights

entrance to staff wellbeing courtyard at RIE

RIE Staff Wellbeing Courtyard

This beautifully reimagined space is designed to support staff wellbeing by bringing nature closer to the workplace.
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Bird on a branch

NHS Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan

This plan will set a strong example for other healthcare institutions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of both patients and the planet.
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Wildlife at the Western

Wildlife at the Western

Our Wildlife at the Western project highlights the different kinds of greenspaces that are available for patients, staff and visitors to explore on the doorstep of the hospital.
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Havens: Stories and Portraits from NHS Lothian

Join our amazing NHS Lothian staff on their journey to discover their hidden havens – those peaceful pockets within the busy healthcare environment where they find moments of quiet to recharge. From an indoor basement laundry to an outdoor rooftop terrace, the stories and portraits capture the essence of these havens and the impact they have on wellbeing.

Linda Lupton in her haven: the interesting and sometimes surprising places that NHS Lothian staff use as havens in their busy work lives.
Amanda's Garden at the Western General Hospital

October 11, 2025

Guest Blog: New guidance to help people with poor ment…

Nature-based programmes, such as gardening, conservation work, forest bathing, hillwalking, and other ‘green’ activities, could and should be an option at all stages of a person’s recovery journey.

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Staff Wellbeing courtyard, RIE

October 8, 2025

Introducing the New Staff Wellbeing Courtyard at the R…

We’re excited to share that the Staff Wellbeing Courtyard, located just off the OPD6 corridor at the Royal Infirmary of […]

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Three people outdoors attending a Branching Out event in Midlothian

July 4, 2025

New Online Resource for Green Social Prescribing in Lo…

NHS Lothian Charity and Health in Mind are delighted to announce the launch of a new, centralised online resource dedicated to Green Social Prescribing in Lothian.

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Green Health programme manager, Ian Mackenzie talking to attendees during the network gathering

June 17, 2025

Blog: A Look Back at the Positive Health Network Gathe…

Ian Mackenzie, NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health Programme Manager, shares his reflections and takeaways from the recent Positive Health Network […]

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Recent case studies

Improving biodiversity thanks to climate challenge grant funding

Bee Healthy Project at Carmondean Health Centre, West Lothian

The Carmondean Health Centre has taken a proactive step towards promoting biodiversity and improving staff and patient wellbeing by creating […]

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Butterfly on a purple flower

Climate Challenge Grants – 2024 Impact Report

Why the Climate Challenge Grants were introduced Climate change poses a major threat not only to our planet but also […]

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A mandala made from wood carvings and the finished carved pieces

RSPB Nature Connections Pilot at the Western General Hospital

Through the summer and spring of 2023, our team worked with RSPB Scotland to test nature connection activities and a […]

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Green Social Prescribing workshop

Nature Heals

Nature heals. It’s a simple statement, a simple message, but sometimes the simple things are the most powerful. I’m a […]

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Scroll through our upcoming events

April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 / Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Green Health Activities at the Royal Infirmary: Autumn 2025

What’s on The activities below run each week. No need to book, just turn up and take the opportunity to […]

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October 22, 2025 / Oncology Project Hub Seminar room, Clock Tower Building, Western General Hospital/Online via Microsoft Teams

Green Health Network Event

The latest in our series of networking sessions to connect people and practice across NHS Lothian and beyond.

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Green Health and Tonic Arts Joint Networking Event

May 13, 2025 / Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Road, Edinburgh EH16 4UX

Positive Health: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Gathering 2025

Our 2025 Network Gathering is a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing positive health initiatives using creativity and nature.

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Trees in the Astley Ainslie grounds

April 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 / Astley Ainslie Hospital

Green Health Activities at Astley Ainslie: Autumn 2025

Join Aisling, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger, for a range of nature-based activities to support your health and wellbeing. All activities […]

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Connect to our network to learn and share

If you feel passionately about the benefits of nature and their potential in addressing health inequalities, join our Green Health Network. All you need are a few good ideas, a little time to spare and a willingness to be involved with promoting and supporting green health activities across the Lothians.

Get in touch

Get in touch if you would like to find out more or discuss how we can work together to benefit NHS Lothian patients and staff.

Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager