A pioneering project in London is offering a groundbreaking alternative to conventional mental health treatments, with Dose of Nature, a charity, successfully prescribing time outdoors to hundreds of individuals. Founded by former NHS psychologist Alison Greenwood, the initiative has already delivered 1,500 one-to-one courses and is significantly outperforming standard NHS talking therapies.
Impressive Recovery Rates and GP Referrals
Dose of Nature boasts a recovery rate of 64%, compared to the NHS's 50%, and a reliable improvement rate of 86% versus 69%. Unlike many green social prescribing schemes, clients are referred directly by their general practitioners, making it a genuine alternative to medication and traditional psychological therapies. Greenwood emphasises that this approach taps into an ancient understanding: humans evolved in nature, and reconnecting with it can soothe mental distress by providing a natural focus away from artificial stressors.
Personal Transformations and Scientific Backing
For clients like Tom Krumins, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the impact has been life-changing. After three years with Dose of Nature, he reports no episodes of mania and newfound stability. The programme combines practical outdoor sessions with scientific education, explaining benefits such as serotonin boosts from sunlight, stress reduction from phytoncides emitted by plants, and mood improvements from natural sounds like birdsong. Studies support these effects, showing that fractal patterns in nature aid stress recovery and exposure to soil microorganisms enhances mood.
Structure and Accessibility of the Programme
The Dose of Nature course begins with a 90-minute assessment by a psychologist, followed by eight weekly one-to-one sessions with trained volunteer guides in local outdoor settings, such as Pensford Field in south-west London. Clients can then join free groups for activities like walking, art, or yoga outdoors. Volunteer guide Emily May Alford notes that this approach avoids the abrupt endings common in therapy, leaving clients with a lasting connection to nature.
Cost-Effectiveness and Expansion Plans
An independent assessment by the London School of Economics found clinically meaningful benefits, with social welfare values estimated at eight times the cost of the prescription. GP Dr Faisal Islam from Twickenham reports reduced symptoms and fewer practice contacts among referred patients. Since its 2019 inception, Dose of Nature has grown to 11 staff, funded by the NHS, local authorities, and charities, and plans to expand to areas like Hounslow and Lincolnshire, aiming to make nature prescriptions accessible to all demographics.
