Natural England is funding healthcare courses for nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals from across Sussex to make more use of outdoor settings in treating those with poor mental health.

Evidence suggests that being outside can help lead to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Healthcare staff have also reported feeling more relaxed outside, as well as refreshed and re-energised.

Attendees will learn how to adapt treatments to new surroundings and how to use many years of inside experience and training outside.

Sessions are held of five months and the course carries a formal training accreditation.

Sarah Davies, Natural England’s principal adviser for partnerships in Sussex and Kent, said:

“The importance of open spaces cannot be underestimated. Nature can relax us, educate us, and help reduce anxiety and depression.

“We know there are countless benefits to connecting with nature – it makes us feel better, physically and mentally.”

36 staff from Sussex have taken part in the course since 2023.

A senior nurse from Sussex who took part in the training said: “My experience doing this course has really transformed my thinking regarding nature-based practice. I have managed to apply parts of what I learnt within my work environment and have full backing from colleagues regarding trying to utilise what I learnt.

“I never realised the true impact outdoors can have on an individual and team level and hope to see it being prescribed in the future as a treatment for certain health problems.”