New report highlights the impact of nature-based health projects led by community nurses

A new report published by The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) showcases the impact of five innovative community nursing projects that have used gardening and connection with nature to improve health and wellbeing across England and Wales.

The NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship, funded by the National Garden Scheme, supports community nurses to develop and implement projects that harness the health benefits of gardens, gardening and outdoor activity. The latest report highlights how community nurses are leading creative, preventative approaches to care that improve lives, strengthen communities and tackle health inequalities.

The five scholarship projects supported a diverse range of people, including mothers experiencing mental health challenges during the transition to parenthood, people experiencing homelessness, adults with learning disabilities, autistic adults and women in prison. Although each project addressed different needs, all demonstrated the powerful role that access to green spaces and meaningful outdoor activity can play in supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Participants reported reduced isolation, improved wellbeing, greater confidence and stronger social connections. Many developed new skills, discovered a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, and built relationships within their communities. The projects also strengthened partnerships between health services, voluntary organisations and local communities, creating lasting resources that will continue to benefit people beyond the lifetime of the scholarship funding.

The projects featured in the report include:

• Circle Garden Haven, Surrey – a therapeutic garden supporting mothers experiencing mental health challenges during the transition to parenthood (lead image).
• Gardening for Growth, Stockton-on-Tees – a railway-themed therapeutic garden co-designed with residents of a hostel supporting people experiencing homelessness.
• Twinwoods Sensory Garden, Bedfordshire – an accessible sensory garden promoting wellbeing and inclusion for people with learning disabilities.
• Using Nature to Make Connections, Wales – a nature-based programme supporting autistic adults through outdoor activities and social connection.
• Supporting Women with Horticulture, HMP Styal, Cheshire – a gardening project helping women in prison improve their mental health, confidence and wellbeing.

The report highlights how relatively small investments can deliver significant benefits for individuals and communities, while supporting the NHS ambition to focus on prevention, neighbourhood health and care closer to home. The projects demonstrate that nature-based interventions are not an alternative to healthcare, but an important complement to it, helping people thrive through connection, participation and meaningful activity.

Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of The QICN, said, “The NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship continues to demonstrate the extraordinary creativity, leadership and commitment of community nurses. These projects show how nurses are developing innovative approaches to support health and wellbeing, often reaching people who may not engage with traditional healthcare services. The report provides inspiring examples of how nature-based interventions can help tackle isolation, improve mental wellbeing and strengthen communities.”

Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, said, “The National Garden Scheme is proud to support the Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship and the inspiring work of community nurses across England and Wales. This report demonstrates the remarkable difference that gardens and gardening can make to people’s lives, helping to improve wellbeing, build confidence and create opportunities for connection and recovery. We are delighted to see the lasting impact these projects are having in communities.”

The full NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship Final Report Summary 2026 is available to download here:  NGS Elsie Wagg Final Report Summary 2025 2026

For more about our partnership with QICN click here