Nature Connections at the Western General: Meet, Mary, Our Nature and Wellbeing Officer

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the next phase of our Nature Connections Project, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland (RSPB Scotland).

Following the success of our 6-month pilot project at the Western General Hospital, we aim to build on and continue enhancing wellbeing through nature engagement.

The first phase of the project, which began in May 2023, demonstrated the impact nature can have on reducing anxiety, and enhancing emotional and physical wellbeing for both patients and staff. Research has shown that being connected to nature offers numerous health benefits, yet hospital environments often lack access to natural spaces. Our project aims to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for nature connection right within the wards.

This project at the Western General Hospital focused on tangible ways for patients and staff to engage with nature, promoting overall wellbeing. The initiative included close collaboration with clinical teams in the Medicine for the Elderly Wards, integrating nature-based activities into patient care routines.

As we launch the 2024 stage of the project, we are excited to introduce Mary, our new RSPB Nature and Wellbeing Officer at the Western General Hospital. Mary’s experience in cognitive-behavioural therapy, combined with her passion for nature, will enable her to lead a variety of sessions designed to help staff and patients engage with nature. Learn more about her background and the project below.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Hello! I’m Mary, the new RSPB nature and wellbeing officer at the Western General Hospital. I’m also a cognitive-behavioural therapist and adolescent mental health researcher. I come at the nature and wellbeing officer role with my enthusiasm for reconnecting people with the natural environment, encouraging a future in which mental and ecological health can flourish.

What excites you the most about the Nature Connections project at the Western General Hospital?

I am most excited about sharing my love of the natural world with hospital patients and staff. I’m also looking forward to bringing a slice of nature onto the wards in which patients struggle to get outside. I truly believe that time spent immersed in and enjoying nature can have huge restorative benefits for everyone.

What are you hoping to achieve through this project?

Through my nature and wellbeing sessions, I hope to offer a short escape for staff and patients away from the stresses of hospital life. With the project more widely, I hope to improve the biodiversity onsite and embed nature connection into daily life at the Western General and beyond, by offering new ways to connect with nature that can be enjoyed with family and friends outside of the hospital.

Can you describe some of the activities and workshops you have planned?

I have planned a variety of sessions, including lunchtime wellbeing walks for staff, eco-printing, herbal tea-making, bird and tree identification workshops, mindfulness in nature, working with clay, wreath making, and gardening sessions.

In additional to these sessions, we are offering training workshops to help staff with integrating nature connections into their daily work. We will also have some staff sessions at the Botanic Gardens, which will be fantastic!

How can the hospital community get involved in the project?

Staff can come along to a drop-in lunchtime session at the wellbeing wing (next to the clock tower) on Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm. Once we have dates for the Botanic Gardens sessions, these will be shared on the morning huddle.

Additionally, if you think your patient group could benefit from nature connections, or if you would like to arrange sessions on your ward or for specific patients, please contact me at [email protected]. We are keen to expand the range of patients we engage with and would welcome suggestions on how we can best serve your ward or specific patients needs.

Lastly, what’s your personal favourite way to connect with nature?

As an RSPB employee, I have to mention birds! I enjoy watching the drama unfold at a bird feeder – it almost reminds me of my nieces and nephews at the dinner table.

Keep an eye out for Mary around the hospital and do get in touch if you would like to learn more about the session. We’ll be sharing regular updates on the project, so check back for more!