Green spaces
Being in nature is a brilliant way to boost your mental health and wellbeing. Fresh air and natural surroundings can help you feel more relaxed, and sunlight increases serotonin which improves mood.
Being in nature can involve going for a walk, taking up gardening at home or through a community project, or simply by sitting in a green space and enjoying your surroundings.
Ideas and resources
In Edinburgh, we are lucky to have a wide range of parks and green spaces. You can find a full list of parks here: www.edinburghguide.com/parks
Thrive Physical Activity & Greenspace Partnership partners are working together to support improved mental health for citizens by opening up physical activity and greenspace activities. Find out what is available via its map of services: https://bit.ly/3DuMI6b
Taking notice is also one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Learn more here about the other ways to wellbeing on our Five Ways to Wellbeing page.
We have found some great resources for you to learn more about the benefits of being in nature.
A factsheet from Mind on nature and mental health
Organisations and projects
Thriving Green Spaces aims to protect and enhance our green spaces, so that they benefit people today and in the long term
Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust works to improve the number and quality of greenspaces and get people involved in using and enjoying them.
Redhall Walled Garden, one of SAMH’s therapeutic horticultural projects, is a beautiful 18th Century Walled Garden within a 6-acre estate which offers training in horticulture, woodland conservation, maintenance skills, ICT and life skills for people with mental health difficulties.
Craigmillar Community Grows offers local people the chance to come together, learn new skills and enjoy spending time outdoors.
The Grove Community Garden is a mobile community garden which aims to grow an active community as well as growing food.
Granton Community Gardeners is a community-led charity based in North Edinburgh.
Clovenstone Neighbourhood Garden has raised beds for up to 35 growers, a community orchard and a big community shed which is shared by the growers.
Botanical Society Scotland aims to advance the appreciation and understanding of all plants and fungi.