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.

June 29, 2026

St John’s Spring Round Up

Exciting transformations are underway at St John’s Hospital as we collaborate closely with the Estates team to enhance our outdoor environments for both patient care and staff wellbeing.

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June 25, 2026

Bringing Nature to Life at the Western General Hospita…

This spring and early summer, there’s been a real sense of growth across the Western General Hospital – not just in the gardens, but in how patients, visitors and staff are connecting with nature.

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June 23, 2026

Nature, wellbeing and a little friendly competition at…

There’s a real buzz across the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the BioQuarter this spring – and not just from the bees. From new planting and wildlife-friendly spaces to staff activities and a growing chilli challenge, nature is becoming a bigger part of everyday life on site.

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June 19, 2026

A season of growth and connection at Astley Ainslie &#…

There’s a real sense of energy at Astley Ainslie this season, as staff, patients and volunteers come together to make the most of the hospital’s beautiful outdoor spaces

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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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RIE Panda Courtyard bunting

Grateful for greenery

At just 23-years-old, Ria O’Hanlan found herself in hospital fighting for her life. The occupational therapy student went from experiencing […]

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Scroll through our upcoming events

Looking through a new lens 2 large images

February 26, 2026 – April 26, 2026 / Astley Ainslie SMART Centre

Looking Through a New Lens – Exhibition

NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health and Tonic Arts programmes are proud to present a photographic exhibition of original images created by […]

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staff from Medtronics with our RIE nature ranger on their volunteering day

February 11, 2026 / 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

June 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026 / Astley Ainslie Hospital

Green Health Activities at Astley Ainslie: Summer 2026

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

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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