Festive Nature-based Activities for patients and staff at Astley Ainslie and RIE
Join our Nature Rehabilitation Rangers for some seasonal nature-based activities this December.
Find out moreGreen 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
Access Place
NHS Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan
Wildlife at the Western
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.
Latest News
Audio Guide to Find Mindful Moments at the Western Gen…
Thanks to the amazing work of our RSPB Nature Connections project, you can now go on a self-guided nature walk […]
Blog: Embracing Autumn
It’s hard to motivate people to come and join you in the outdoors when a gale is blowing and the rain is hammering down. Read on to find out how Paul is embracing autumn.
Blog: Nature Responds to Positive Changes at the Weste…
RSPB Scotland Conservation Officer, Scott Shanks, shares some observations of an exciting new arrival in the grounds of the Western […]
Supporting Sustainable Healthcare: NHS Lothian Staff T…
Over £135,000 has been awarded by NHS Lothian Charity through their Climate Challenge Grants programme to empower staff to implement sustainable practices across NHS Lothian.
Recent case studies
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Nature Heals
Nature heals. It’s a simple statement, a simple message, but sometimes the simple things are the most powerful. I’m a […]
Scroll through our upcoming events
Mass Spring Bulb Planting
We need your help to plant 4,000 crocus bulbs alongside the wellbeing walk. This will provide a pop of colour […]
Container Growing Masterclass: RIE
Can you help us revamp the plant containers at the front entrance to the RIE? In exchange you will receive […]
Green Health Activities at Astley Ainslie: November
Join, Aisling, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger for some seasonal nature-based activities. More information can be found below. Please make sure […]
Green Health Network Event
The latest in our series of networking sessions to connect people and practice across NHS Lothian and beyond.
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.
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Our Nature Rehab Ranger, Aisling, has been leading guided walks & mindfulness activities at Astley Ainsley, helping staff connect with nature & reduce stress. You too can embrace autumn & enjoy the outdoors, it’s great for improving mood & overall wellbeing. #lothiangreenhealth
Green thumbs up for our soil free growing workshop yesterday @RIE_Lothian! 🌱 👍 Our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger, Lou, had a blast with colleagues from renal & liver support services, looking at growing plants without soil. Thanks to all who joined us.
#lothiangreenhealth
Meet Aisling, the newest member of our team!👋
Aisling will be working 3 days a week at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. Originally training as a nurse & working in social care, she has been a freelance gardener since 2016 & a wellness nature guide more recently.
#LothianGreenHealth
Join our next Green Health Network event on Wednesday, 21st Aug 24, online & in-person. Share ideas & get the latest on how the network is supporting Green Health activities & projects in the coming years.
Click the link to sign up! https://bit.ly/3YbG3ep
#LothianGreenHealth
An exciting delivery at the Chalmers Centre today! 🌿🌺All the plants are here, ready for planting next week. This project will create a welcoming entrance, offering patients and staff access to nature and supporting mental health and wellbeing. 🌼
#LothianGreenHealth
