Introducing our Incredible Grasslands Project
Part of the NHS Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan, this initiative transforms traditional, short-mown grass into species-rich meadows and vibrant parklands.
Find out moreGreen Health
Our natural health service
Spending time in nature is essential for both physical and mental well-being. At NHS Lothian Charity, Green Health is one of our defining priorities.
Partnering with NHS Lothian, we are bringing nature into the heart of healthcare:
- For Patients: Creating therapeutic courtyards and gardens to aid recovery and peace of mind.
- For NHS Staff: Building restful outdoor spaces to recharge during demanding shifts.
- For the Community: Enhancing local greenspaces and connecting people directly to nature-based health activities.
Project Highlights
RIE Staff Wellbeing Courtyard
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 […]
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 […]
Scroll through our upcoming events
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 […]
Green Health Network Event
The latest in our series of networking sessions to connect people and practice across NHS Lothian and beyond.
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.
Green Health Activities at Astley Ainslie: Summer 2026
Join our team, for a range of nature-based activities to support your health and wellbeing and make space for nature. […]
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.
🌿 Our Green Health Summer Newsletter is here! Discover nature activities & refreshed spaces for wellbeing @NHS_Lothian. ✨ Highlights: Connect with Nature, Green Health activities & new resources!
Read now 👉 https://ow.ly/tvZc50WS0Vu
#LothianGreenHealth #ConnectWithNature
We’ve launched a new #GreenSocialPrescribing resource for West Lothian with @NHSLothCharity 🌼
Making it easier to access local green activities for wellbeing.
Take a look ➡️ https://westspace.org.uk/green-social-prescriptions/
#LothianGreenHealth #Westspace
🌱 New for East Lothian! We’ve launched a #GreenSocialPrescribing resource with @NHSLothCharity.
Find green activities to support your mental health and recovery.
Start exploring ➡️ https://eastspace.org.uk/green-social-prescriptions/
#LothianGreenHealth #Eastspace
Look through a different lens this summer. 📸Join our Nature Ranger, Aisling, for photography workshops for staff & patients at Astley Ainslie Hospital in partnership with Stills: Centre for Photography from 23 June!
Find out more👉https://ow.ly/jEak50VVwZn
#LothianGreenHealth
We’re thrilled to have supported NHS Lothian to create their Biodiversity Action Plan. We look forward to continuing to work together to support these important green spaces, enhancing the wellbeing of patients, staff, & the community, & protecting our planet. #LothianGreenHealth
NHS Lothian are very proud of the green spaces we own & manage. This is why we’ve launched a Biodiversity Action Plan to create a thriving natural environment across our estate. https://news.nhslothian.scot/2025/05/21/nhs-lothian-launches-plan-to-develop-and-protect-our-green-areas/
🐦 Astley Ainslie bird walk! 🌿 Apr 22nd – drop in between 12:15-2pm. Spot woodpeckers, buzzards, nuthatches & more! 🦅 Learn bird ID with Aisling. Binoculars & guides provided. Meet at pet cemetery/St Roque lawn. All welcome! #BirdWatching #NatureWalk #LothianGreenHealth
