NHS Forest Newsletter - July 2020
@NHSForest @SusHealthcare
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Magnificent Meadows Wales
We’re thrilled to be working with Plantlife and the National Trust on Gweirgloddiau Gwych Cymru: Magnificent Meadows Wales funded by the Welsh Government, to create mini-meadows and 'meadow health routes’ that connect people to meadows and species-rich grassland. The project will draw on the experience of our Green Health Routes programme, which co-designs mapped neighbourhood walking trails for groups and individuals to enjoy their local green spaces. We will also be working with hospitals in Wales to support the creation of ‘no-mow meadow’ areas at NHS sites – spaces where native wildflowers can bloom and set seed, providing habitats for wildlife and interest for patients and staff. We look forward to sharing the learning as this exciting project unfolds. For more information click here
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England's Tree Strategy Consultation is open: participate and shape the future of trees in England!
The government has launched a consultation to guide development of the England Tree Strategy. This policy will establish plans for the expansion and management of trees and woodland in England through to 2050.
The strategy recognises the importance of using existing public land - such as hospital grounds - in greening England. It also outlines that public and charitable organisations may play an important role in planting and managing such woodlands. We will be providing our feedback and encourage our partners to do the same and to share your support for planting many more trees at NHS sites.
The consultation is open to the public until 11 September 2020. Click here to read more about the Strategy and to provide your feedback.
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Families Active, Sporting Together (FAST) Programme Update:
We are proud partners in the FAST programme. This initiative which has been implemented by Cherwell District Council, has provided exciting opportunities for families living in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington to be active and healthy.
Our latest numbers show the amazing reach of this programme, with 5,563 individuals (1,548 families) signed up for the programme up to the period prior to lockdown. Under the FAST programme, families can enjoy free school-based sessions and discounted access to activities such as swimming, bowling, climbing, football and dancing. So far, we've seen 2,833 attendances to family swimming sessions alone!
Click here to learn more about opportunities offered by FAST and to read about the experiences of families who've taken part. |
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NHS Forest Conference Report
The report from our 10th anniversary NHS Forest conference is now on our website. The conference was held last Autumn at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool – where our first tree was planted. It explored the role of the NHS as an ‘anchor institution’, and asked how those working to develop green space at health sites can reach out to involve their wider communities. The report, available here, was produced with support from the Health Foundation.
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Site of the month
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 staff and responsible for ten hospitals across seven separate sites. After an ecological and natural capital assessment which identified how much green space and tree cover they hold as a trust, they have been working hard on further exciting projects. The first of these was the ITV ‘Love Your Garden’ at the Royal Manchester Children’s hospital garden. This provided accessible green space for staff and patients to share, with seating and planting focusing on pollinators and biodiversity. Also allotments have been created at Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General hospital, making clear links between the natural environment, food production and health. There are plans to further increase the engagement at the allotments with staff and patients through activities including cooking classes. The trust also has plans to develop their courtyard gardens including a ‘Garden of Reflection’ at Trafford General Hospital. Please click here for more information. |
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