Forestry Commission Scotland, Central Scotland Conservancy, Branching Out Programme.

Branching Out is a referral programme for mental health patients dedicated to green space and conservation. It was established by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) in 2007 with four other partner agencies: Glasgow Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership, Glasgow Centre for Population Health, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow City Council.

Evidence is growing that indicates green environments have a therapeutic benefit for a wide range of physical and mental health issues. FCS was looking to explore that connection.

For each patient, the service consists of three hours of activities per week in a woodland setting over a 12-week period. The clients take part in a variety of activities, including health walks and tai chi; conservation activities, like rhododendron clearance and willow coppicing; bushcraft, such as firelighting and shelter-building; and environmental art, such as photography and willow sculptures.

A full evaluation was carried out over the first 12 months, which highlighted the positive impact the programme was having on participants. Due to its success it has now expanded into a further two NHS board areas, with three additional delivery partners.

The programme contributes to reducing health inequalities by ensuring access for all. Branching Out groups include patients in medium secure units, community-based services, women- and men-only groups and older adult groups. Government-level approval has been required for some patients to be taken outside hospital grounds.

A key aspect of the programme is the inclusion of professional health staff as active members of the group. The dynamics of the programme, and its delivery in an outdoor/non-clinical setting was reported to aid and redress the patient/health professional imbalance. The small group sizes, up to 12, facilitated team building and social inclusion. Clinicians and patients both reported improvements in social networking and social skills development.