Research shows that nature has a beneficial and therapeutic affect on mental and physical health, even if it is just glimpsed from a window.
There is now a growing awareness that taking part in green health activities like active travel, cycling, gardening and walking are a vital part of health and wellbeing, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and having a positive effect on mood and self-esteem.
There are bodies of evidence that support nature’s significant contribution to health and wellbeing:
Our Natural Health Service (ONHS)
ONHS is a Scottish Government initiative that sees the natural environment as a resource that can help tackle health issues. Please watch the animation below.
NatureScot Report on Outdoor Activities
The 2025 NatureScot thematic report summarised the key data collected through its latest Scottish People and Nature Survey on Outdoor Activities in relation to people’s health and wellbeing.
- 84% of respondents said their most recent outdoor visit was motivated by health and wellbeing.
- 92% of respondents said visiting the outdoors uplifted their mood and 94% said it presented them an opportunity to exercise.
- Over a quarter of respondents (27%) met the NHS physical activity guideline of 150 minutes moderate activity per week through outdoor activities. Crucially, those who live close to, and are satisfied with, their local greenspaces are more likely to undertake this level of activity outdoors.
NatureScot Report on Equality and Diversity in Outdoor Recreation
Additional report from Scottish People and Nature Survey on Equality and Diversity shows that are significant inequalities in outdoor recreation participation. Around 3 in 5 adults in Scotland visit the outdoors weekly, but this drops sharply among people in poor health, those with low mental wellbeing, residents of the most deprived areas, and people with disabilities or financial struggles. Around 1 in 10 people from these disadvantaged groups never visit the outdoors for recreation.
- The most common barriers to accessing nature include work/time constraints, poor weather, health and mobility issues, along with financial constraints and lack of transport. People who never visit the outdoors are more likely to cite long-term issues like poor health, lack of confidence, or not knowing where to go.
- Most people report benefits from visits taken to the outdoors: 72% cite mental health benefits; 65% cite physical health benefits; 41% feel more connected to nature; and 31% experience social benefits. However, those who could benefit most (e.g. people in poor health or living in deprived areas) are least likely to access or report these benefits.
- Urban greenspaces are vital for disadvantaged groups but are often perceived as less safe, less attractive, and less welcoming in deprived areas. Satisfaction with greenspaces is lower among people in poor health, those with low mental wellbeing, and residents of deprived areas.