Nature really is the best medicine, as doctors in the UK are officially prescribing fresh air to support patient wellbeing.

We all know that heading outside is tonic for the soul, but now people suffering from a range of issues will be advised by their local GP to go for a walk. From searching for frost on leaves to listening to birdsong, each person will be given a calendar of ideas to inspire them to connect with the great outdoors.

Run by the RSPB in collaboration with the Peak District National Park Authority, the project follows a successful pilot project in Scotland. Research conducted during the original trial found that 74% of patients benefited from the nature prescription, while 87% said they would continue to use the countryside to support their health and wellbeing.

The first green prescriptions will be given to patients in High Peak, Derbyshire, although there are hopes it will roll around the country.

"Making sure we're taking care of our health and wellbeing is incredibly important, particularly in January when life can be a real struggle; the days are short and money can be tight," Tom Miller, a GP in Buxton, told The Metro.

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"Nature prescriptions are a great way for people to potentially boost their wellbeing by taking time to be with nature. Evidence is emerging that time outdoors is good for our health and this is an ingenious, simple and cost-effective way to support people to do just that."

Sarah Walker, nature and wellbeing project manager at RSPB England, added: "I'm thrilled to see the project coming to life in the High Peak and can't wait to see how people in the area benefit from nature prescriptions.

"At the end of the day we're all part of the natural world, and helping people to connect with it is so important."

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.