Blog: A Look Back at the Positive Health Network Gathering 2025

Ian Mackenzie, NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health Programme Manager, shares his reflections and takeaways from the recent Positive Health Network Gathering

On 13th May, the Usher Building at the University of Edinburgh buzzed with energy as we gathered for the Positive Health: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Gathering 2025. This vibrant, in-person event brought together a diverse group to share insights on the power of integrating creativity and nature into healthcare and community wellbeing. Building on the success of last year, our focus this year was squarely on the tangible positive impact of arts and greenspace on health, underpinned by compelling evidence.

A highlight of the day was our interactive “Fishbowl Discussion on Evidence,” which illuminated three vital pillars supporting our work:

• Academic Consensus: The discussion affirmed the overwhelming academic evidence for the positive health impact of nature and arts-based interventions. We heard how meaningful engagement and sensory connection in greenspaces are crucial, with research even showing prenatal benefits, as well as how art and colour can reduce pain for patients in hospitals.

• Lived Experience: Powerful personal stories and feedback from patients, partners and staff brought the evidence to life. These individual testimonies validated our approaches in the real world, though they also highlighted a critical point: not all greenspaces are experienced equally by everyone, underscoring the vital need for equitable access.

• Expert Opinion: Healthcare professionals and practitioners shared their direct observations of these interventions’ positive impact on patients. Often, seemingly small changes led to significant positive ripple effects, proving the profound influence these initiatives can have.

Beyond the insightful discussions, time was built in to network. We were thrilled to see attendees seize fantastic opportunities to connect, share best practices, and build valuable relationships across the diverse arts, health, and environmental sectors. These interactions sparked new ideas and strengthened existing collaborations, all aimed at advancing the green space and arts agenda. We also encouraged everyone to leverage these shared impacts to advocate for policy change, integrate these initiatives into medical education, and strengthen grassroots collaboration with third-sector organisations.

Overall, the event served as an important platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and driving positive health initiatives through the powerful, combined force of creativity and nature, reinforcing the vital link between a healthy environment and health and wellbeing.

Our Vibrant Network: Who Joined the Conversation?

The Positive Health Gathering truly brought together an incredible array of individuals and organisations, forming a dynamic network passionate about connecting people with nature and art for better health. Here’s a glimpse of the expertise in the room:

Leading Researchers and Academics: Representatives from the University of Edinburgh (including ACRC) and GroundsWell were present, grounding our discussions in cutting-edge academic evidence.
Environmental and Greenspace Champions: Representatives from Archaeology Scotland, Cyrenians, Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust, RSPB, and Nature Rehabilitation Rangers shared their invaluable knowledge of natural environments.
Arts and Creative Leaders: From Dance Base and Hospital Exhibitions Managers to Arts Project Managers, the creative force behind health-enhancing artistic interventions was well-represented.
Dedicated Healthcare Professionals: Our event welcomed Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Scientists, Geriatricians, and Young Adult Support Workers, demonstrating the direct impact of these initiatives on patient care.
Community and Climate Activists: Passionate individuals from Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network, Transition Edinburgh South (Scotland) Ltd, and West Lothian Climate Action Network highlighted the crucial role of community-led action.
Strategic and Operational Managers: Key roles such as Staff Wellbeing Leads, Business Managers, Community Engagement Leads, and Development Workers provided insights into integrating and sustaining these programmes.

This diverse mix truly underscored the collaborative spirit needed to advance the green health and arts agenda across Scotland!

What We Discussed in the Fishbowl

“What is the most compelling evidence demonstrating the positive impact of arts or greenspace on health and wellbeing?”

Academic Evidence – Now Reaching Consensus: We heard that there’s overwhelming academic evidence from primary and systematic studies on the positive health impact of nature and arts-based interventions.
Meaningful Moments Are Important: The greatest benefits come from how we engage with green spaces. It’s the sensory experiences and personal connections that make the real difference. (Read more)
Benefits Begin Before Birth: A Belfast study showed that babies of mothers with greater access to green spaces were born with healthier birth weights, proving the effects start early. (Read more)
Creativity and Colour Heal: In clinical settings, the presence of art and colour can improve patient outcomes by reducing the sensation of pain and the need for medication.• Lived Experience – Seeing Is Believing: Personal stories bring depth and humanity to the data.
Individual Testimony Is Powerful: Personal accounts of how nature and the arts have positively affected individuals and families provide powerful, relatable evidence that contextualizes research. (Read more)
Positive Feedback Validates: Case Study: Our partnership with Scottish Opera showed that staff choir participation significantly improved members’ mental & physical wellbeing, boosted confidence, and fostered connection. Read more)
Not All Green Space Is Equal: The quality of a green space is critical. Poorly maintained or inaccessible spaces can sometimes decrease wellbeing and worsen health inequalities.
Expert Opinion – Insights from the Frontline: Health professionals who work with a wide range of people daily see the impact of this with their own eyes.
Professionals Witness the Benefits: When clinical staff use nature and art-based activities in their practice, they see the positive impact on patients firsthand. This direct experience is compelling evidence for peers. (Read more)
Small Changes, Big Ripples: Improved personal outcomes—like better coping skills for work, newfound confidence, and new social connections—can create a positive ripple effect throughout a person’s life.
Counting the Cost/Benefit: Institutions like the NHS and Scottish Government need to see the financial case. Demonstrating how arts and green space can shorten hospital stays (even by one day) shows a clear cost benefit.

Shared Resources and Next Steps

A key outcome of the gathering was the identification and sharing of valuable resources to help drive the positive health agenda forward. Whether you’re seeking robust evidence or practical tools for engagement, these resources can be incredibly helpful:

Trusted Research & Case Studies

Our discussions highlighted the importance of both academic rigor and real-world impact. Here are some trusted sources for research and compelling case studies:

Nature Connectedness Research Group (University of Derby): This group focuses on strengthening the human-nature relationship for mutual well-being and conservation.
The NHS Forest: Offers an extensive database of evidence and resources covering all aspects of green space and health.
NHS Lothian Charity Impact Reports: Our collection of impact reports provides specific examples and findings from our own arts and green health initiatives.

Recommended Practical Resources

Looking to get more hands-on or involve your community? These organisations and citizen science projects offer fantastic opportunities:

Trellis Scotland: A network supporting therapeutic gardening and horticulture.
RSPB: Dedicated to bird and wildlife conservation, offering many ways to get involved with nature.
Woodland Trust: The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, working to protect and restore native woodlands.
Merlin App: A free bird identification app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology (available on iOS and Android).
Zooniverse: A global platform for citizen science projects, allowing anyone to contribute to real research.
BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) Garden BirdWatch: A citizen science project where you can record birds in your garden.

Want to Get Involved?

This event wasn’t just about learning, it was about taking action. If you would like to get involved in future events and activities, and connect with others who are passionate about this work, sign up to our networks.