Green Social Prescriptions at
Craigmillar Medical Group
“The moments I’ve experienced just being in nature are priceless. It helps me in so many ways.”
Patient Testimonial
Spending time outdoors in a natural place like a garden or park has been shown to help with physical and mental health as well as helping with general wellbeing such as sleeping better or feelings of loneliness.
We can offer you a “green social prescription” to help you spend time outdoors. This is a new way to help our patients that we can offer you along with any other treatment you are receiving.
Our doctors, nurses and healthcare staff can offer you a prescription after talking with you about your needs and how it might help. Your prescription may say how long you need to spend outdoors and what to do. It may also include a recommendation about a group or activity that is available locally.
There is a list of local activities and groups available at the end of this page.
If you think a green social prescription might help you or you want to know more, please ask one of our staff or at reception.
Local outdoor activities
Here are some local community groups who can offer you outdoor activities as part of your prescription.
Craigmillar Castle Park. The Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust runs nature-based activities for people of all abilities. You can find their programme at this link: Craigmillar Castle Park
Craigmillar Community Grows. This organisation runs a wide range of activities for people living in the Craigmillar area. You can find out about it at the link below or contact their community worker by phone 07824 838 364 or email karinchipulina@carrgomm.org. Their website is at Community Grows.
The Green Team. They run outdoor activities for young children. You can find their programme at Our Programmes - The Green Team.
The Community Peace Garden at Bridgend farmhouse. This project shows how local organisations and community members can work together to create a beautiful space which fosters friendship, understanding and connection. You can find a link to it here Community Peace Garden. There are many other ways to get involved in outdoor activities at Bridgend Farmhouse. Check the website at Volunteer at Bridgend Farmhouse or call on 0131 564 0068.
Dr Neil’s Garden. This is a bit further away in Duddingston but there are many outdoor activities there. The website is at Dr Neil's Garden. You can also phone them on 07849 187 995.
Other activities in Edinburgh & Lothian
Some things you can do in Edinburgh and Lothian. Use the links or contact information below to learn more.
Redhall Walled Garden. This garden provides outdoor activities to help people experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties.
Royal Edinburgh Community Hospital garden. This garden is open 7 days a week to the public at the Royal Edinburgh hospital in Morningside. You can visit or get involved as a volunteer. To find out more, you can email them at RECG@cyrenians.scot
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Inverleith, north Edinburgh, offer health and well-being activities in their community gardens.
Paths for All. This website lists guided outdoor walks in all areas of Scotland including Edinburgh.
Metal Health Swims. These are held in various places in and around Edinburgh. You can find a map of locations at Swim Map | Mental Health Swims
Self-directed activities
To help you spend time in nature by yourself we have made 4 seasonal activity calendars that you can use. You can download copies from the links below or ask at your GP surgery for a copy of this season’s calendar
The important thing is to spend time outside and to take time to really NOTICE what’s around you. Consider setting your phone to silent so you can take some time for yourself. You don’t have to go very far: just finding a nearby bench or place to sit is all you need. Go outside with someone if it helps. If you can get into a habit of doing this, it is even better.
Each link below downloads a PDF file with a checklist of things to do that you can print.
Spring. On March 21st the days start to get longer than the nights. Spend the time to look for some fresh flowers and watch the tree buds turn to leaves.
Summer. Enjoy the long days, watch bees if they are around, see if you can find some wildflowers.
Autumn. As the colours around you change and the days get shorter spend time watching a sunset or looking at fallen leaves or the animals as they get ready for winter.
Winter. After December 21st, the days start to get longer again. Look for evergreen trees and plants, maybe look out for a robin all plump and fluffy in the cold.
Nature Activity Apps
We have listed a few mobile phones apps that can help you get out into nature and enjoy it. Everything here has a free version and can be used locally, there is no need to travel out into the country to use them.
Merlin Bird ID This free app lets you record a bird when it is singing or take photos of a bird you can see and helps you identify the bird. It is a “citizen science” project so when you identify birds this way it helps build a record of bird sightings around the world. You can find out more about it on the web or download the app from your usual app store. Web | Google Play | Apple App store
Go Jauntly This app lets you discover local walks in your area and upload your favourite walking places to share with other users. The basic version of the app is free but you can pay to add premium features. Many of the walks are short and local so you don’t have to travel into the country to use the. Find out more on the web or download it from your usual app store. Web | Google Play | Apple App Store
Our Outdoors This is a “citizen science” app based in Edinburgh that you can use to explore Edinburgh’s parks, beaches and natural areas. When you use it you can record how you feel in a natural place which helps the project at the University of Edinburgh understand what people like and don’t like. You can find out more on the web or download it from your usual app store. You can also use an online map without needing to download an app. Web | Google Play | Apple App Store | Online Map
Want to know more?
If you want to know more about green social prescriptions and the benefits for getting out into nature, click the button below which will take you to the main page of this website.