Contributing to a healthier Scotland

Developing the contribution of the natural heritage to a healthier Scotland

The Scottish Government's objectives for a healthier Scotland will be more achievable if people have regular opportunities for exercise, relaxation and active travel in the outdoors. To help address health inequalities, targeting of effort on certain groups of people and specific parts of Scotland is required.

Scottish Natural Heritage's policy and action plan Developing the contribution of the natural heritage to a healthier Scotland sets out how we can address these challenges through our work to promote better places and increase involvement in the care and enjoyment of the natural heritage. It also details how we can support the health sector to further main stream this activity in delivering health outcomes and to ensure we help address disadvantage and reduce health inequalities.

Green exercise

Green exercise  describes physical activity in outdoor settings which have strong natural environment components (eg greenspace, paths, parks, nature reserves and countryside).  SNH works with NHS Health Scotland and other agencies to promote the use of the outdoors for better health and quality of life.

Key elements in our approach

• Developing and promoting key messages on health and the natural heritage to a range of audiences, including the public and health professionals
• Contributing to research to help consolidate the evidence base  and improve understanding of the contribution of natural heritage to health and well-being
• Inputting to strategy and policy at the European, national and local level and supporting the development of new thinking and practice through partnerships, green exercise projects and initiatives
• Taking forward more activity on participation and place-making with more explicit and measurable health and well-being outcomes
• Contributing to tackling current and future health inequalities through targeted action for disadvantaged communities, equalities groups and young people

Contact: peter.rawcliffe@snh.gov.uk  01738 458660