Hundreds of trees have been planted inside the grounds of a hospital in Cumbria in a bid to improve health and wellbeing.
During National Tree Planting Week (23 November – 1 December 2024), staff from the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Natural England and members of the Well Communities planted 250 trees within the grounds of the Westmorland General Hospital.
The project aims to evidence the positive impact of green therapy on patient wellbeing, whilst supporting nature recovery in the area.
The trees were provided as part of the NHS Forest run by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.
The trees planted included hawthorn, crab apple, rowan, blackthorn, hazel and bird cherry. Many of the trees will blossom in the spring, providing an early nectar supply for insects. The fruit and berries that will arrive in the autumn will attract more wildlife onto the site such as mice, vole, badger and waxwings.
The scheme will create a greener space for patients, visitors, and staff and also play an important role in storing carbon to benefit the wider environment, contributing to both Natural England and NHS net zero goals.
George Coombs, senior officer for health and environment with Natural England, said: “We know that access to nature plays a key role in improving our health and well-being and the project at Westmorland General Hospital is a great example of how Natural England is working with partners to increase access to green spaces for local communities
“Our thanks go to everyone involved including the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape who have supported the project by providing the tools and the wildflower plug plants from their growing nursery but also People Plant Trees CIC who provided tools.”
Dave Sanderson, director of estates and facilities at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in this tree planting project. It was a real community event and will leave a lasting legacy for the trust and all who use our services, providing an environment that will enhance patient recovery as well as staff health and wellbeing and, as we have already seen, encourage wildlife and nature to thrive at our hospital.
“This work forms part of the trust’s green plans, improving biodiversity, generating interest in the benefits of the natural environment and helping us move towards the NHS carbon reduction targets.”
