Green Health activities may need to be adapted, postponed or cancelled in light of the current situation with regards to Coronavirus. Guidance on social distancing and how we can protect the elderly and vulnerable can be found in the UK Government guidance.
​Up to date information on Coronavirus and what to do if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has, can be found on the NHS Inform.

Time outdoors can encourage us to take more exercise which is known to benefit our physical health as well as relieve acute stress; reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the activities we participate in will need to ensure that we do not put ourselves or others at risk.

This page contains useful links and information on how we may wish to continue to engage with nature while adhering to  UK Government Guidelines.  The contents will be adapted and added to as guidance is updated. Last updated 04.05.20
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Some Highland communities are seeing an increase in traffic. The Highland Community Planning Partnership have produced a series of posters to discourage people from driving asking them to stay home and exercise locally. These can be downloaded and printed and placed in areas that are becoming more popular. ​

stay_home.pdf
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did_you_drive.pdf
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is_it_essential_for_you_to_be_here.pdf
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Social Distancing Activities

Creating a routine to connect with nature can help us to cope with the psychological challenges of social distancing and ensures we maintain good physical health.
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Citizen Science Projects
Citizen Science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. Through citizen science, people share and contribute to data monitoring and collection programs. There are many programmes that allow you to record the flora, fauna, seasons and landscapes in your area. Check out our citizen science page here.

Nature & Wildlife Apps
Many of us have access to a smart phone, ipad or tablet. There are a variety of Apps available to help us learn about the wildlife on our doorstep. Time outside can be used to learn more about our local environment. Some of our favourite Apps are listed here.

Engaging children in nature
​There are many ways in which children and families can continue to connect with nature while maintaining social distance. For some of our top tips and useful links click here.

Self-Isolation Activities

Bringing The Outdoors In
The activities in this guide have been collated by TCV project officer in 2019, as part of the Greenspace for Health Demonstration Project at New Craig's Psychiatric Hospital in Inverness. It is intended to give healthcare staff and practitioners ideas for year round, nature connection activities that can be carried out in a ward setting, however, many of the activities within it are transferable to those self-isolating.

bringing_the_outdoors_in.pdf
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Getting Creative
Paths for All, have been working with artist in residence Alec Finlay to help more people connect with their local environment to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Alec has produced a COVID-19 Creative Toolkit available here

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19 Ways to Stay Connected With Nature

Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership have published guidance on things that you can do in your garden and ways to bring nature indoors.

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Introduction to Lockdown Gardening

,Dundee Green Health Partnership are promoting lockdown gardening with local horticulturalist Kate who works for Dundee Council and is self-isolating at home. 

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