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CSH crowdfunder will support patient outcomes through green space development

A growing body of evidence indicates that exposure to natural environments can exert measurable effects on patient recovery times, postoperative outcomes and psychological wellbeing. In alignment with this research base, the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) has launched a national crowdfunding appeal to raise £60,000 in support of green space development across NHS healthcare sites as part of its NHS Forest programme. The campaign, running from 17 February to 31 March, is supported by matched funding from Aviva and aims to facilitate the planting of up to 6,000 trees or a combination of trees and other green improvements on NHS land such as wildflower meadows.

The NHS Forest programme, run by CSH, supports healthcare providers in designing and implementing ecologically rich green spaces to benefit patients, staff and local biodiversity. Recent research conducted by Brighton and Sussex Medical School in collaboration with Brighton and Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust has demonstrated that visibility of natural environments is a statistically significant predictor of inpatient length of stay. The study reports that incremental increases in nature visibility are associated with an approximate 8.7% reduction in hospital stay duration, with corresponding implications for reduced healthcare needs and faster discharge.

Despite holding approximately 6,500 hectares of land in England, parts of the NHS estate remain underutilised in terms of green infrastructure. Investment in tree planting contributes to future canopy development and sustained environmental quality.

Healthcare staff report enhanced morale and increased use of outdoor space for rest and informal meetings, while former patients describe the calming effect of daily contact with natural seasonal change.

Donations of any size to the campaign are welcome. Further information and contribution options are available on the Crowdfunder website.