Restoring nature, restoring health

The ‘One Health’ approach (World Health Organisation 2025) recognises the interconnectedness of the health of people, animals and the environment. Access to green space and nature positively contributes to human mental and physical health (Baybutt, Dooris, and Farrier 2019). Consequently, the identification of the UK as ‘one of the most nature- depleted countries on Earth’ (Burns 2023) has ramifications far beyond ecological concerns and should be addressed for its public health impact. ‘Place-sensitivity’ is a vital consideration in generating responses to nature’s decline (British Academy 2022). This approach notes the diversity of locations and the central role played by people in both the antecedents, and intended outcomes, of activity. As such, it has parallels with the settings approach to health promotion and the contextual interaction of environmental, organisational and personal factors in determining health. That some people face difficulties in accessing nature is acknowledged, and there is a need to think creatively to provide equity and inclusivity of access to green space, where people live and work. More than 86,000 people are currently detained in prisons in England and Wales, with a projected increase on this figure of more than a fifth in the next five years (Ministry of Justice 2024a). The healthcare provision for this population, many of whom experience poorer health than others in society, with complex health and social care needs, has been said to require solutions that embrace ‘evidence informed action across multiple sectors’ (McLintock and Sheard 2024). The Ministry of Justice is one of the UK Government’s largest landowners, with freehold on around 4000 ha of land in England and Wales and use of over 1500 rural and urban holdings (Ministry of Justice 2024b). Access to nature in their prison estate has historically not been designed to provide for health outcomes, being seen more as an employment opportunity for prisoners (Farrier and Baybutt 2024). If nature engagement in prisons is instead allied to health promotion and development, there could be a wealth of benefits; improving prisoner and staff health, reducing the costs of ill health and providing meaningful activity that directly leads to ecosystem recovery.

References:
Baybutt, M., M. Dooris, and A. Farrier. 2019. “Growing Health in UK Prison Settings.” Health Promotion International 34 (4): 792–802. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/day037
British Academy. 2022. Understanding the Role of Place in Environmental Sustainability. London: The British Academy. https://doi.org/10.5871/where-we-live-next/role-of-place
Burns, F. 2023. State of Nature, The State of Nature Partnership. www.stateofnature.org.uk .
Farrier, A., and M. Baybutt. 2024. “Therapeutic Gardening in English Prisons Post-Pandemic: Implications for Health and Wellbeing.” Health Education 124 (1/2): 86–101. https://doi.org/10. 1108/HE-07-2023-0083
McLintock, K., and L. Sheard. 2024. “Prison Healthcare in England and Wales Is in Perpetual Crisis.” BMJ 384:q562. https://doi.org/10.1136/BMJ.q562
Ministry of Justice. 2024a. Prison Population Projections: 2024 to 2029. https://www.gov.uk/ government/statistics/prison-population-projections-2024-to-2029/prison-population-projec tions-2024-to-2029 .
Ministry of Justice. 2024b. Nature Recovery Plan. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ nature-recovery-plan-summary-moj .
World Health Organisation. 2025. One Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/one- health#tab=tab_1.