Understanding how those most at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing can be supported to increase their use of and access to the Natural environment

Understanding how disadvantaged populations can be supported to increase their use of the Natural environment for improved mental health and wellbeing. This research aims to deliver greater understanding and insight into how disadvantaged populations in England can be supported to increase their use of the Natural environment for improved mental health and wellbeing. This research will review available evidence and current practice to identify effective interventions and practice in supporting increased use of the Natural environment by disadvantaged populations. The project aims to deepen our understanding of what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and why, and identify the kind of interventions that effect the greatest benefits to specified target groups. The project will seek to examine current practice in 2-3 priority geographic areas to understand the specific barriers and challenges experienced by communities, as well as those faced by professionals in supporting increased use of the Natural environment, and provide recommendations for how these could be overcome. The evidence produced as part of this project should inform future efforts in supporting increased use of the Natural environment by disadvantaged populations and how interventions could be planned, delivered and promoted further in practice.