A team from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is investigating how regular connection to nature can improve mental health and overall wellbeing.
In collaboration with Southern Cross University, we’re investigating the wellbeing outcomes from prescribed nature connection trails. This type of intervention, also known as a green prescription model, is a novel clinical approach in Australia, although common in the UK and USA.
As part of this study, participants will take part in sessions via the Snowy Valley Wellness Drive. The drive consists of 7 walking trails made up of a series of evidence-based interventions or routines, which are known to reduce anxiety and improve physical health measures such as heart rate and blood pressure.
The power of green prescriptions
Research has demonstrated that the use of green prescriptions correlate with reduced medication sales for mental health conditions, emphasising their preventive and treatment potential.1 Research also shows that the greater connection people have to nature, the better their emotional and mental wellbeing.2 The effectiveness of green prescriptions is amplified when they are tailored to local community needs and linked to high-quality, accessible green spaces.
Green prescriptions are also important in addressing eco-anxiety and the effects of extreme weather events.2 A 2019 study found that 80% of Australians have experienced extreme weather events, such as bushfires, flood, heatwaves and drought. 51% of respondents reported negative effects on their mental health, with 21% experiencing major or moderate impacts.3,4 These effects are particularly pronounced in rural areas. While these individuals will also experience greater eco-anxiety, this is mitigated by the way that same connection to nature provides them with meaning, purpose, resilience and coping strategies.
A concrete example of this, and an inspiration for this project, is the 10 Years Beyond Bushfires report5 – a research paper published following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. Undertaken by the University of Melbourne, the report found that although those who were most connected to land experienced significant acute grief, they had fewer incidences of PTSD, chronic depression and anxiety.
We developed the Snowy Valley Nature Wellness Drive following the 2019-20 bushfires, recognising the impact on the community and the potential for prescribed nature connection trails. We partnered with NatureFix, a social enterprise, providing resources that enable individuals and health professionals to harness nature for health. NatureFix routines are designed to enhance this connection, turning time spent outdoors into a meaningful and therapeutic experience.
Development of the program included community consultation over a period of 12 months, including with First Nations people, community organisations such as local charity clubs, land councils, not for profits, councils and NSW health. Following the success of the drive, we decided to investigate its impact on wellbeing and mental health.
Building connection to nature
As part of our study, participants are guided through 6 weekly sessions with a clinician, moving beyond simple outdoor exercise to a structured approach that promotes relaxation, connection and reflection.
During each one-hour session, qualified mental health clinicians guide participants in simple restorative nature connection activities. Each activity supports relaxation, sensory engagement, emotional safety and reflection, leading to improved mental and emotional wellbeing.
The interventions are experiential activities designed to increase nature connection and activate the participants' 5 senses of touch, sound, sight, smell and taste. Mental health clinicians responsible for running the interventions encourage participants to feel safe, reflect on their experience and immerse themselves in the activity which starts as a mindfulness grounding and awareness activity.
The clinicians use the trails to foster deeper connections with nature, with each routine following a five-step framework.
- Safety – choosing a green space suitable for the individual.
- Relaxation – regulating the autonomic nervous system.
- Noticing – building awareness and engages all senses to build emotional stability.
- Relating to and engaging with nature – building empathy along with place and social connection.
- Reflection – encouraging gratitude and building resilience.
These steps align with trauma-informed recovery methods, which we use to support people to experience deep relaxation, develop new perspectives and gain personal insights.
Evaluating impact on mental and personal wellbeing
Our evaluation follows a dynamic within-subject waitlist design to examine the impact of the nature connection trail programs. When a participant enters the study, they are required to complete a 25-minute survey. Before undertaking the intervention, they enter a control period – they are placed on a 6-week waitlist, during which time participants undertake regular activities that enhance their wellbeing such as going for a walk or seeing a psychologist. They will then complete 2 additional surveys, one before entering the program and one at the end of the program.
We have selected the following scales to measure success:
- mental wellbeing
- nature relatedness
- flourishing
- personal wellbeing
- depression and anxiety.
Initial feedback reflects the health and wellbeing benefits shown in the research. This includes but is not limited to reduced stress, reduced anxiety, greater life satisfaction, reduced depression, decreased loneliness, increased relaxation and happiness. We have been surprised by the level of insight and problem-solving participants have gained without the need for formal cognitive behavioural therapy.
Our project is cost neutral for clinical resources, as clinicians provide the intervention within existing appointments. Our research will demonstrate the benefit to the participant, and whether it is a cost-effective alternative to other traditional treatments. When participants successfully implement green prescriptions, they are empowered to maintain their own mental and physical wellbeing; complete the activities at a time and place that suits them using existing resources; and use this intervention alongside other treatments without complications.
References
- Aerts R, Vanlessen N, Dujardin S, et al. Residential Green Space and Mental Health-Related Prescription Medication Sales: An Ecological Study in Belgium. Environ Res. 2022;211:113056. DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2022.113056
- Grénman M, Nyrhinen J, Pihkala P, et al. Rethinking the good life amid the ecological crisis: The interplay between eco-anxiety, nature connection and well-being. People and Nature. 2025;7:1738–1748. DOI:10.1002/pan3.70075
- Climate Council. Survey results: National study of the impact of climate-fuelled disasters on the mental health of Australians. 2023 [cited 27 Oct 2025].
- The Wildlife Trusts. Social Return on Investment Analysis of the Health and Wellbeing Impacts of Wildlife Trust Programmes. 2019 [cited 27 Oct 2025].
- Victorian Government. 10 Years Beyond Bushfires Report. 2021 [cited 27 Oct 2025].
