The NHS’s new 10-Year Health Plan for England sets out a welcome shift towards prevention and mental health support —But there’s one essential piece missing from this plan: nature. We were pleased to see this highlighted in The Independent The crucial ingredient the NHS 10-year health plan is missing this week.
Despite growing evidence that green spaces and nature-based activities significantly improve physical and mental health, the plan makes no mention of green social prescribing – or nature at all.
Why nature matters for health
From reducing anxiety and depression to boosting immunity and improving recovery after illness, having access to nature can support health and wellbeing. People living in greener areas are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Green spaces, particularly in urban areas, help protect against the health impacts of heatwaves and air pollution. And yet, this has been left out of a plan that looks to prioritise preventative health measures.
Green social prescribing – a missed opportunity
Green social prescribing (nature-based interventions such as gardening, walking groups, or conservation activities) is disappointingly not part of the plan. This is a missed opportunity to embed one of the most effective, low-cost, community-based approaches to supporting both mental and physical health.
What we’ve learned from Soil Sisters – therapeutic horticulture in action
At Wen, we’ve seen firsthand how nature transforms lives. Our Soil Sisters project works with women and children in East London’s women’s refuges to create gardens and growing spaces. These safe, green spaces are places of healing, rebuilding, and connection.
Women tell us that time in the garden helps reduce their anxiety, gives them space to reflect, and reconnects them with themselves and others. For children, it provides moments of calm, play, and learning in the middle of upheaval.
Nature supports recovery – but it also supports resilience. It helps prevent ill health before it starts.
Gardening together in a community garden
But access isn’t equal
Access to green space is not equal. Many women, especially racialised and minoritised women, face barriers to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces. Environmental and gender justice must include investment in local nature that is accessible, inclusive and shaped by the needs of women and their communities.
To truly prioritise prevention, we need a plan that includes investment in local green infrastructure, green space built into all new housing developments, safe and accessible transport links to green space.
A truly preventive plan must include nature
Health starts in our streets, homes, kitchens, and parks. If the NHS 10-Year Plan is serious about preventing illness and promoting wellbeing, it must urgently recognise the role of nature in shaping our health.
The Soil Sisters Toolkit is a free resource for creating therapeutic gardening spaces packed with tips, seasonal activities, and reflections from our work in women’s refuges.
