New Nature Rehabilitation Rangers Join NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health Team

NHS Lothian Charity is excited to welcome new Nature Rehabilitation Rangers, Aisling Murphy and Louisa (Lou) Evans, to its Green Health Team at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Astley Ainslie Hospital.

These dedicated individuals will focus on:

Enhancing Patient and Staff Wellbeing: They’ll deliver nature and outdoor activities to support patient recovery and staff wellbeing. This could be anything from gardening to wildlife walks in the hospital grounds.
Protecting Biodiversity: They’ll work to improve and conserve the natural environment on hospital grounds, creating thriving habitats that benefit patients and wildlife and tackle climate change.

This is a really big step forward for NHS Lothian and I’m thrilled to welcome Aisling and Lou,” says Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager. “Bringing in experts in nature and wellbeing is critical to make the most of the outdoor space that make up the NHS estate.

“As our Rangers embark on their new roles, they’ll be exploring our hospital sites and learning about the unique needs of our patients and staff. This will allow them to tailor their activities to the people who need them most. You’re more likely to find them outdoors than in an office, so please do say hello if you see them and reach out if you have anything you want to ask or discuss.

“We’ll be sharing upcoming plans soon, and we encourage everyone – patients, staff, and the wider hospital community – to get involved. Your ideas and input will help shape our programme and activities, and ensure that our Nature Rehabilitation Rangers are making a meaningful difference. Together, we can harness the power of nature to improve health, wellbeing and sustainability.”

Meet the Rangers

Aisling Murphy:

Aisling will be based at the Astley Ainslie Hospital for three days a week, Monday – Wednesday. She originally trained as a nurse and has worked in social care. She has been a freelance gardener since 2016 and wellness nature guide more recently. She has also run her own volunteer group and done a wide variety of volunteering with people and wildlife over the years. She enjoys connecting people with nature and seeing the physical and mental health benefits this brings them.

Aisling says: “I’m really looking forward to bringing nature into people’s lives and increasing the biodiversity on site. It’s a privilege to work on such a beautiful site. I love being outside so you might find me doing some emails or meetings outside. Drop me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions for me.“

Louisa (Lou) Evans

Lou will be working two days a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. She is a trained horticulturist, adult educator and group facilitator and has over 20 years of practical experience working in therapeutic and community settings.

Lou says: “It’s exciting to be working with a greenspace and health focus again with patients, staff and the wider hospital community. I’m up for the challenge and look forward to working with anyone who has ideas and energy to help make things happen for everyone’s benefit. Feel free to drop me an email at [email protected] if you want to chat through ideas or find out more.”