News from our Green Health Programme

After a huge amount of hard work and dedicated collaboration, we are delighted to announce the official opening of two new therapeutic spaces at East Lothian Community Hospital (ELCH): The Oak Tree Garden and The Blythe Garden.

What were once plain areas devoid of much life have been transformed into vibrant, species-rich green spaces filled with a diverse range of plants and wildflowers. Birds and pollinating insects are already making themselves at home among the new planting, bringing sound, motion, and colour right to the heart of the hospital grounds.

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.

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.

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.

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

There’s exciting progress underway at East Lothian Community Hospital, where two newly designed garden spaces are transforming previously underused areas into welcoming, accessible places for patients, visitors and staff

Across the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, a range of projects are underway to make outdoor spaces greener, calmer and more welcoming for patients, visitors and staff.

Looking back at our 2026 Green Health and Tonic Arts Network gathering the atmosphere at our network event felt different. Somehow, people felt closer together, less nervous, and more genuinely connected. 

NHS Lothian Charity’s Green Health Programme launched the Nature Rehabilitation Ranger Service. One year later, we are looking back at how we set up this vital service and the incredible outcomes it has already achieved.

Our recent event brought together experts from across our Green Health Network to discuss the “big picture” of greenspace volunteering and the difference it can make.