Nature-based health and wellbeing programmes have the potential to save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds each year, according to a new report by The Wildlife Trusts.

The report, 'A Natural Health Service: Improving Lives and Saving Money,' highlights the benefits of green prescribing, which refers to the prescribing of nature-based programmes to improve physical and mental health.

The analysis, carried out by environmental consulting company Ricardo plc and The Institute of Occupational Medicine Health, focused on five Wildlife Trusts programmes and their impact on NHS costs.

The findings revealed that green prescribing can save more in healthcare costs than the expenses associated with running such a programme, saving over £635 million per year.

Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “This new research proves the immense value of nature-based projects for improving individual health and helping to ease the burden on the NHS.

“Nature is an essential part of health and social care, but we are not maximising that potential. Green prescribing works and the more we can develop these kinds of programmes, the greater the benefit to society.

"The evidence is clear - investing in nature makes sense for people, our health service, and the economy.”

Dr. Amir Khan, NHS doctor and vice-president of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “What excites me about this research is that it shows the potential of Wildlife Trusts programmes to work alongside and reduce reliance on NHS services.

"Programmes that tackle some of the causes of preventable illnesses: social isolation that can lead to feelings of loneliness or depression, physical inactivity - which is linked to musculoskeletal problems, and a lack of skills or prospects leading to economic inactivity.

“The Wildlife Trusts’ programmes can shoulder some of the burden of mainstream NHS services, and they should be available to all health professionals, to refer patients to, where appropriate.”

The Wildlife Trusts have called on the Government to integrate green prescribing into community health and social care services nationwide.

They also urge shared investment from government departments working on housing, employment, community cohesion, transport, and culture.

They also propose providing support to strengthen partnerships between local healthcare services and community-rooted organisations like Wildlife Trusts.