Author Archives: Becca Lovell
Therapeutic nature project report published
The final report, and research briefing, for the Defra funded Therapeutic Nature: Nature-based social prescribing for diagnosed mental health conditions in the UK project has been published. The 12 month project aimed to identify what works in the use of nature-based therapeutic interventions for people with an identifiable mental illness. Background The Therapeutic Nature project […]
Nature on Prescription Handbook published
The nature based social prescribing team, led by James Fullam and Ruth Garside, have published a new “Nature on Prescription Handbook” aimed at providers of group nature-based interventions that target common mental health conditions, and that are (or will be) delivered via social prescribing schemes. The content will also be of interest to link workers, […]
Nature, biodiversity and health: an overview of interconnections. A report for the WHO
The multitude of ways in which the natural environment and human health are inextricably linked have been outlined in a report we have written for the WHO Europe region as part of our WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health. It is designed to help individuals and organisations across the 53 member states of […]
Evaluating the Green Social Prescribing test and learn pilots
Working with researchers at The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and the University of Plymouth we have been funded to evaluate the Government’s flagship Green Social Prescribing test and learn pilots programme. Social prescribing and community-based support enables GPs, other health and care practitioners and local agencies to refer people to a link worker […]
Alternative funding for green spaces webinar and report
The SWEEP Investing in Nature for Health project team developed a summary report of the breadth of funding mechanisms available for green infrastructure and the activities provided in these spaces. The report includes examples of some traditional, but mainly alternative, funding streams, and presents case studies that highlight their successful application. The report also raises […]
What Works briefings on natural environment and health or educational interventions for Defra
A few years ago we produced two What Works briefings on natural environment and health or educational interventions for Defra. These reports followed on from the earlier work we did for the Department and related closely to the content and delivery of the Government’s A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment […]
PhD opportunity: Social prescribing, pharmaceutical disposal and water quality
Becca is a co-supervisor on a NERC GW4+ DTP PhD Studentship opportunity now open for applications ‘Developing sustainable options for reducing the concentration of pharmaceuticals entering the environment’ This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP) for entry in […]
Rapid review of evidence for England’s new Green Infrastructure standards
Natural England have published the rapid scoping review of evidence relating to the links between green infrastructure and health and wellbeing that we produced to inform the development of a Framework of Green Infrastructure Standards for England. The new Green Infrastructure Standards are one of the core commitments of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan […]
Improving access to greenspace: A new review for 2020
Becca has worked with Public Health England to co-author their new report on improving access to greenspace. The report is an update of the earlier 2014 report and reviews evidence on the health benefits of living in greener communities, the impact on inequalities in health and makes recommendations to help Local Authorities, policymakers and developers […]
BlueHealth on the radio and new toolbox
Mat White and Jo Garret talked about the BlueHealth project on BBC Radio Four’s All in the Mind programme – you can listen to it on BBC Sounds (it starts at about 01:00) and here is the BBC’s description of the segment: Blue Health and well-being During lockdown many people have said how they value […]
Beyond Greenspace 