Prescription for Nature

Marden Medical Centre with our Patient Participation Group (PPG), Marden Wildlife and Marden Parish Council have collaborated to develop the Prescription for Nature Project in Marden.

Nature prescribing, also known as green social prescribing, is a means of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The approach is based on growing evidence that spending time in natural spaces can have positive effects on physical and mental health including reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Successful schemes have been piloted in other parts of the country. We are keen to develop a local scheme that encourages people to connect with the beautiful countryside and nature spots we have in and around Marden but also to engage with the enthusiasm and expertise of the local wildlife, nature and wellbeing groups in the village. We were inspired by the findings of the RSPB Nature Prescriptions project.

Patients who may benefit from the scheme will have an initial discussion with a healthcare professional on the benefits of nature, supported by a leaflet (or prescription) with self-paced suggestions to connect with local nature resources.

View Prescription

Post Card Pack

Patients will also be given a pack of nature postcards with beautiful local images which we hope will support the information given on the prescription leaflet but also act as a resource to trigger positive thoughts and emotions.

1. Chilly autumn mist at dawn, or winter sunset? Photo credit: Helen Montague

2. Sunflower field between the playing field and Plain Road. Not only beautiful but also important for wildlife. Thistles and other plants are also grown, for the birds to feed on. Photo credit: Jenny Jones

3. Turtle doves migrate from central Africa. These beautiful birds are vulnerable to extinction but several pairs breed in Marden. Photo credit: Jacques Turner-Moss

4. Milky Way at Great Cheveney Farm, on the outskirts of Marden where there is little light pollution. Photo credit: Ian Boswell

5. Planter outside the medical centre containing fragrant herbs. Run your fingers through the leaves, enjoy the scent. Photo credit: Anne Boswell

6. A cherry tree in blossom in Southons Field. There's also an apple tree and a mulberry tree to watch through the summer. The leaves of the silver birch turn a lovely gold in Autumn. Photo credit: Anne Boswell

7. Apple blossom in Spring. There are apple orchards all around Marden. Photo credit: Jenny Jones

8. A robin in full song, singing for joy? For a mate? Protecting his territory? Photo credit: Nigel Witham

9. Red admiral butterfly, a beautiful medium sized butterfly with startling red bands across its black wings. They love stinging nettle nectar! Photo credit: Nigel Witham

10. Wildflower meadow in Southons field. Many types of flower including here ox eye daisy and corn cockle. Photo credit: Anne Boswell

11. Robin on a window feeder, they love mealworms! Window feeders are a great way of seeing birds up close, also useful if not much outdoor space to put one. Photo credit: Gail Newman

12. Green winged orchids at Marden Meadow. Usually purple but occasionally pink or white. A local "highlight ", they grow in unimproved grassland and hay meadows, and are a near threatened species. Photo credit Jenny Jones

13. The biggest bumblebee is the buff-tailed, and appears in early spring. It’s harvesting pollen and nectar from thistle. Photo credit Jenny Jones

Marden Nature Spots

Join Marden Wildlife Facebook Group

The initial project is a pilot which will run for 6 months. If you feel you would benefit from this project, please either go online or contact reception to book a routine appointment with a clinician.

When you come into the surgery, enjoy the beautiful nature photos in the corridor at the end of the building. These were kindly donated by a local wildlife enthusiast.