Green Exercise Projects

Green exercise describes physical activity in outdoor settings which have strong natural environment components (e.g. green spaces, paths, parks, nature reserves and countryside). It includes: walking and relaxation; outdoor learning and play; recreation and sport; practical conservation; gardening; rehabilitation and recovery and active travel. 

Projects which promote green exercise for its health benefits can be found throughout Scotland. To share current good practice, we have prepared the following case studies:

Walking and relaxation

• Cairngorms Walking to Health 
• Dundee Healthy Living Initiative 
• Galloway Strollers 
• Aberdeenshire Disability Active Pathways Trail 
• Islay Walkaboutabit 
• Watt Walks 

Outdoor learning and play

• Midlothian Ranger Service 
• Cumbernauld Glen 
• Liberton Nursery 
• Loanhead After School Club 

Recreation and sport

• Pedal 4th 
• White Mountain Dreams 

Practical conservation

• Midlothian Ranger Service 
• Fleet Valley NSA Volunteers 

Gardening

• Royal Edinburgh Community Garden 
• Bridgend Allotment Community Health Inclusion Project 

Rehabilitation and recovery

• Highland Print Studio 
• Tayside Woods for Health 
• Blarbuie Woodland 
• Phoenix Futures 

Scottish Natural Heritage has helped to establish two green exercise programmes - the Walking for Health initiative delivered by Paths for All  and Green Gym run by BTCV  . We are also keen to promote the benefits to children of being more active outdoors and through our support to Grounds for Learning  we are helpingto encourage more outdoor learning and play. Other local projects may be eligible for grant  from us. We would welcome information on other projects which demonstrate the contribution of the natural heritage to better physical and mental health and well-being. Please contact: bridget.finton@snh.gov.uk