Place-based partnership (Exeter/East Devon)

Feel Good in the Forest is a social prescribing initiative from Forestry England and Sport England, designed to support people with mild to moderate health conditions through nature-based activities. 

It helps local communities and individuals improve their wellbeing by engaging with nature and physical activity. Forestry England is working in a dynamic partnership of land managers, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, and public sector bodies to champion the benefits of being active outdoors and engaging with nature.

Together, we’re creating opportunities that make green and blue spaces more accessible and inviting for everyone to enhance physical wellbeing and improve mental health.

We’re helping communities build confidence and skills to enjoy local parks, riversides, and woodlands—spaces that support physical activity and mental wellbeing. Beyond the neighbourhood, we inspire people to explore the wider countryside, from scenic valley parks and canals to iconic destinations like National Trust properties and Forestry England’s Haldon Forest Park.

The original partnership included the National Trust, Natural England, Forestry England, East Devon Council, Devon Wildlife Trust, and Devon Clinton Estate - key land and asset managers. These partners participated in an outdoor workshop and committed to identifying opportunities for residents in Exeter and surrounding areas, such as Cranbrook, who experience health inequalities. 

The initial concept planned to create a schematic map to share and develop with these communities with the intention of circulating information to GP practices, community hubs, community centres. However, through Natural England’s network, the partnership learned of a similar initiative being led by Exeter Wellbeing/Exeter Colab. 

Both networks collaborated to align efforts, leverage synergies, and capitalise on organisational strengths. Exeter Wellbeing offered strong community connections and could recruit Nature Links volunteers—local residents who regularly use green and blue spaces, and promote them within their communities. 

The latest iteration of the initiative began by focusing on underused local green and blue spaces and understanding barriers to wider engagement. Community champions, to be identified and recruited, and to be known as Nature Links, will act as trusted advocates for promoting physical activity and nature connection. Natural England and land managers contribute evidence-based expertise in nature-based physical activity programmes and could provide training and opportunities for these volunteers and community leaders.
 

• These partnerships require front loading for time and capacity to build relationships
• Awareness of parallel projects with similar aims that have synergies
• Flexible and agile approach to outcomes – as a result of engagement, outcomes and outputs may be subject to evolution and change.

Nature Buddies: The role of volunteer-led support in enabling people to engage in community activities to support their health and wellbeing - a step by step toolkit

Tim Braund, Active Forests Health and Community Officer

Email: t[email protected]