Nature–Based Interventions for Improving Health and Wellbeing: The Purpose, the People and the Outcomes

Abstract

Engagement with nature is an important part of many people’s lives, and the health and wellbeing benefits of nature–based activities are becoming increasingly recognised across disciplines from city planning to medicine. Despite this, urbanisation, challenges of modern life and environmental degradation are leading to a reduction in both the quantity and the quality of nature experiences. Nature–based health interventions (NBIs) can facilitate behavioural change through a somewhat structured promotion of nature–based experiences and, in doing so, promote improved physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. We conducted a Delphi expert elicitation process with 19 experts from seven countries (all named authors on this paper) to identify the different forms that such interventions take, the potential health outcomes and the target beneficiaries. In total, 27 NBIs were identified, aiming to prevent illness, promote wellbeing and treat specific physical, mental or social health and wellbeing conditions. These interventions were broadly categorized into those that change the environment in which people live, work, learn, recreate or heal (for example, the provision of gardens in hospitals or parks in cities) and those that change behaviour (for example, engaging people through organized programmes or other activities). We also noted the range of factors (such as socioeconomic variation) that will inevitably influence the extent to which these interventions succeed. We conclude with a call for research to identify the drivers influencing the effectiveness of NBIs in enhancing health and wellbeing.

Group Outdoor Health Walks Using Activity Trackers: Measurement and Implementation Insight from a Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

“…These are promising findings given a recent report on the barriers associated with the usage of the outdoors by older people [64]. Amid continued calls for evidence on the effectiveness of nature-based interventions [22], a conceptual model is provided for future research into complex nature-based interventions, such as group outdoor health walks, that aspire to promote health through behavioural change.…”

“…Outdoor exercise groups are nature-based interventions (NBIs), usually walking, that promote wellbeing or prevent chronic health conditions by modifying individual behaviour [22]. With growing interest in the health promoting effects of the natural environment [23][24][25] and the increasing availability of 'walking for health' programmes, one potential health solution for physical inactivity is group walks in nearby nature.…”

“…Group outdoor health walks (GOHWs) are an NBI that seeks to modify individual behaviour through exercise within a group in a natural environment [22]. GOHWs are defined as a "short, safe, social, local, low level, led walk" [38] that lasts for no more than an hour.…”

“…[58] (p. 1) Such insight, often derived from designs that include qualitative methods alongside descriptive statistics, can be critical for determining the feasibility of larger scale studies, and hence inform the wise use of resources [59]. With increasing calls for evaluative research, such as RCTs or other top-tier research designs, to 'identify drivers influencing the effectiveness of NBIs in enhancing health and wellbeing' [22] (p. 2), it is important to examine such feasibility issues in relation to NBIs.…”

Nature's Contributions to Human Health: A Missing Link to Primary Health Care? A Scoping Review of International Overview Reports and Scientific Evidence

“…Nature-based health intervention: a program, activity, or strategy that aims to engage people in nature-based experiences with the specific goal of achieving improved health and wellbeing (13).…”