Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 09:32 pm
The NHS Forest project, led by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, is set to expand after receiving generous funding from the Nature for Climate Fund managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This will enable 150,000 additional trees to be planted on NHS sites across England between October 2023 and March 2025.
The project, which has already planted 100,000 trees since its launch in 2009, will create an extra 94 hectares of vital tree coverage. This aligns with the UK Government’s climate strategy, which targets 30,000 hectares of woodland creation per year by 2025.
Trudy Harrison, Defra Forestry Minister said: “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.”
Miriam Dobson, Project and Evidence Lead for Trees and Woodlands at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, added: “We’re excited to start on this ambitious project to plant an additional 150,000 trees on NHS sites. Trees and woodlands are a crucial tool in helping to improve our environment. 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.”
The benefits of tree planting are manifold, from improving air quality to providing a habitat for native wildlife. Trees also play a vital role in saving lives and NHS resources by improving air quality and population health, with the total cost to the NHS and social care system of caring for people affected by air pollutants between 2017 and 2025 estimated at £1.6 billion.
Ginnie Abubakar, Cancer Support and Information Services Manager at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, shared her experience: “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.”
The impact of green spaces on staff wellbeing is also of paramount importance. According to research published by Business in the Community, employees with a view of nature take 23% less sick leave.
NHS sites are invited to join the NHS Forest project and register to receive free trees. To get started, visit https://nhsforest.org/.
Today marks a major milestone for the NHS Forest project, as it prepares to plant an additional 150,000 trees on NHS sites across England. Supported 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 will create an extra 94 hectares of tree coverage.
Dr Miriam Dobson, Project and Evidence Lead for Trees and Woodlands at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, said: “We’re excited to start on this ambitious project to plant an additional 150,000 trees on NHS sites. Trees and woodlands are a crucial tool in helping to improve our environment. 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.”
The benefits of tree planting are manifold, from providing cleaner air and reducing the risk of surface water flooding to creating better places to live and work. Trees also play a vital role in saving lives and NHS resources by improving air quality and population health.
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.”
The impact of green spaces on staff wellbeing is also of paramount importance. According to research published by Business in the Community, employees with a view of nature take 23% less sick leave.
NHS sites are invited to join the NHS Forest project and register to receive free trees. For more information, visit https://nhsforest.org/.
