The NHS Forest project is set to expand as it prepares to plant 150,000 additional trees on NHS sites across England. Funded by the Nature for Climate Fund managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and overseen by the Forestry Commission, the project aspires to create around 94 hectares of new tree coverage. This adds to the 100,000 trees already planted since the project was launched in 2009.
Trudy Harrison, Defra Forestry Minister, commented: “We are proud to be supporting the planting of 150,000 trees at NHS sites across England through our Nature for Climate Fund, which will increase access to nature within our communities. These new trees will help make the NHS estate be a greener and healthier place for staff and patients alike, as well as helping moderate temperatures, reduce air pollution and reduce the risk of surface water flooding.”
Dr Miriam Dobson, Project and Evidence Lead for Trees and Woodlands at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, stressed the importance of planting trees and woodlands: “We urgently need to maintain, develop and connect trees and woodlands, particularly in areas with the greatest health inequalities. The NHS estate is a critical asset in achieving this vision. By focusing our efforts on strategic planting, we can maximise this positive impact.”
The benefits of trees go beyond just the environment. They provide cleaner air, create habitats for native wildlife, store carbon and play a vital role in saving lives and valuable NHS resources by improving air quality and improving population health. As well as this, green spaces can help with staff wellbeing. Recent research published by Business in the Community found that employees with a view of nature take 23% less sick leave.
Ginnie Abubakar, Cancer Support and Information Services Manager at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, spoke of her experience with the NHS Forest project: “Since we started working with the NHS Forest project, there has been fantastic engagement on site. We’ve seen patients walking through our woodland walkway, taking time to sit and look at the environment and that’s been amazing. I’ve also had more staff than ever before suggesting meeting outside which has had a great effect on staff wellbeing and morale. Our hope is to get everyone involved in creating a greener future and making a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities.”
The NHS Forest project, run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, is inviting NHS sites to join the project and register to receive free trees.
The NHS Forest project is set to expand as it prepares to plant 150,000 additional trees on NHS sites across England. Funded by the Nature for Climate Fund managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and overseen by the Forestry Commission, the project aspires to create around 94 hectares of new tree coverage. This adds to the 100,000 trees already planted since the project was launched in 2009.
Trudy Harrison, Defra Forestry Minister, commented: “We are proud to be supporting the planting of 150,000 trees at NHS sites across England through our Nature for Climate Fund, which will increase access to nature within our communities. These new trees will help make the NHS estate be a greener and healthier place for staff and patients alike, as well as helping moderate temperatures, reduce air pollution and reduce the risk of surface water flooding.”
Dr Miriam Dobson, Project and Evidence Lead for Trees and Woodlands at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, stressed the importance of planting trees and woodlands: “We urgently need to maintain, develop and connect trees and woodlands, particularly in areas with the greatest health inequalities. The NHS estate is a critical asset in achieving this vision. By focusing our efforts on strategic planting, we can maximise this positive impact.”
The benefits of trees are numerous, from providing cleaner air and creating habitats for native wildlife, to playing a vital role in saving lives and valuable NHS resources by improving air quality and improving population health. Additionally, green spaces can help with staff wellbeing, with research showing that employees with a view of nature take 23% less sick leave.
Ginnie Abubakar, Cancer Support and Information Services Manager at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, spoke of her experience with the NHS Forest project: “Since we started working with the NHS Forest project, there has been fantastic engagement on site. We’ve seen patients walking through our woodland walkway, taking time to sit and look at the environment and that’s been amazing. I’ve also had more staff than ever before suggesting meeting outside which has had a great effect on staff wellbeing and morale. Our hope is to get everyone involved in creating a greener future and making a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities.”
The NHS Forest project, run by the
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