28 March 2025
A heart-warming project launch took place at Foss Park Hospital in York bringing together tree planting, habitat creation, nature connection and the simplicity of a picnic in the hospital’s secluded Secret Garden.
Led by Natural England the project has support from our trust, staff working at Foss Park Hospital, St Nicks green corridor habitat officers and eco therapist as well as Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve staff and volunteers. It’s aim is to evidence the positive impact of green therapy on patient wellbeing, while supporting nature recovery in the area.
Earlier this month more than 100 trees, provided by NHS Forest, were planted and feedback suggestions were gathered to improve the grounds and Secret Garden area. Options included the planting of wildflower bulbs, insect habitats, bird boxes, hedgehog houses and water butts. Mindfulness and yoga sessions as well as well as more cultural activities such as a drawing group, music sessions and regular nature activities are also being considered.
Species planted at the site complimented native trees in the local area and included shrubby species such as hawthorn and hazel mixed with silver birch offering additional protection to species close to the River Foss. The area is part of the Green Corridor in York which acts as vital green ‘lungs’, breathing life into the city where there is ambition for bigger, better and more joined up green spaces.
The trees and new habitat will create a greener space for patients, visitors, and staff and play an important role by storing carbon to benefit the wider environment, contributing to both Natural England and NHS net zero goals.
The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and projects like this help to reverse this trend. Bringing biodiversity into urban areas can help people to connect more with nature.
The University of Derby has shown that noticing flora and fauna as well as engaging in simple activities such as listening to bird song, or watching an insect are key to developing a connection with nature. This has been shown to benefit not just the health and wellbeing of our communities but also wildlife.
Sara Moore, higher officer for health and environment with Natural England, said: “We know that access to nature plays a key role in improving our health and wellbeing and the project at Foss Park Hospital is a great example of how Natural England is working with partners to increase access to green spaces for local communities.
“The enjoyment on the faces of patients who were supported to get into this natural space and help plant trees, was a joy to see and the feedback was fantastic. This event launched a wider project to grow the local green community interest and drive an increase in the biodiversity of the NHS site, with people firmly at the heart.
“Our thanks go to everyone involved including St Nicks, volunteers from our Lower Derwent Valley NNR, Foss Park Hospital staff, patients and relatives, York Carers, Converge, York St John University and for the interest from York University, department of health sciences.”
Sarah Neil, energy and sustainability manager for our trust, said: “This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by working in partnership. We hope this is just the start of closer working with our staff, patients and communities to protect and enhance biodiversity and improve access to our green spaces.”
The planting at Foss Park Hospital is part of Natural England’s wider nature recovery ambition across Yorkshire to support local habitat and landscape restoration.
Further projects are planned at the hospital site, not only to increase biodiversity but also to get staff and patients out noticing the nature across the grounds. This includes a nature friendly, wellbeing sensory garden within the hospital internal courtyard area, a space that patients can easily access themselves. The wellbeing courtyard garden will be designed with older patients and staff from the trust. The garden will bring in colour throughout the year, using plants which have been chosen by and are nostalgic to patients.
Feedback has also highlighted the need for a covered area for year-round use, additional seating for patients, carers and busy staff to eat lunch outside, picnic benches and improved access to the Secret Garden. Foss Park Hospital grounds and the surrounding area has potential to provide a place for patients to throw a stick for their family dog, and a tranquil space where families and carers can take loved ones who are able to get out for a longer walk.
Natural England are looking for offers to help to support the above projects financially including via materials or discounts (e.g. plant nurseries), skills or volunteering. Anyone interested in getting involved please contact [email protected]
