In the heart of Colchester, GP practice Abbey Field Medical Centre is leading an innovative approach to healthcare by transforming its grounds into a therapeutic green space. Through the creation of a small wooded area and garden the practice is demonstrating how healthcare facilities can enhance both environmental sustainability and patient wellbeing.
The initiative, which began with a vision to revitalise tired and declining green spaces, has evolved into a comprehensive project that benefits staff, patients and local wildlife. The practice has been working with a local community organisation, Abberton Rural Training, to bring the project to life. “The existing space, whilst low maintenance, is very tired,” explains project lead and Abberton Rural Training tutor, Angela Farmer. “The present shrubs do not really provide a benefit to patients, staff or, importantly, wildlife as they have become old and woody and are mostly in decline.”
GP Practice Green Space – A Natural Prescription for Wellbeing
At the centre of this transformation is a tree-planting programme that’s turning the medical centre’s grounds into an accessible wooded environment. The project goes beyond making the space look nice – it’s rooted in evidence-based research showing the positive impact of trees on mental health and wellbeing.
The creation of this green sanctuary serves multiple purposes. Staff members are encouraged to use the space during breaks, offering a vital respite from their demanding work. Patients and visitors can find solace among the trees while waiting for appointments, transforming potentially stressful waiting times into opportunities for connection with nature.
Education Through Action
The project has taken an innovative approach to implementation, incorporating educational elements that benefit the entire community. A group of 12 participants, ranging in age from 21 to 80, received comprehensive training in tree planting techniques. This hands-on education covered everything from selecting the right location to understanding soil health and proper planting depth.
“We wanted to create a central woodland area where people could not only learn the importance of the roles of trees and tree planting but also the benefits we receive from them,” notes Angela. “There is so much proven evidence which shows how trees support improved mental health and wellbeing.”
The medical centre keeps its community engaged through quarterly newsletters, sharing updates about the growing woodland and educational information about different tree species and their benefits. This ongoing communication helps build a sense of ownership and connection with the space among patients and staff.
Measuring Impact and Success
The results of this green transformation have been very positive. Participants in the tree-planting programme consistently report feeling more relaxed and experiencing enhanced wellbeing during and after sessions. The project has created new opportunities for learning and engagement as it gradually attracts wildlife back to an area that had previously offered limited natural habitats.
The impact extends beyond the immediate participants. Staff members now have access to quality outdoor spaces during breaks. Patients benefit from a more calming environment, and it is hoped the local ecosystem will show signs of revival as new habitats develop.
Looking to the Future
As the trees mature, they will create an increasingly valuable resource for the medical centre and its community. The project team is already looking ahead, planning how to maximise the benefits of this growing woodland environment. Regular check-ins and meetings every four weeks ensure the space continues to evolve in ways that best serve all users.
The Abbey Field project demonstrates how healthcare facilities can reimagine their outdoor spaces to support both environmental and human health. By creating this wooded area, the medical centre has established a model for other healthcare sites looking to enhance their green spaces and improve patient care through nature.
Through careful planning, community engagement, and a commitment to education, Abbey Field Medical Centre has shown that even modest green spaces can be transformed into valuable therapeutic environments. As healthcare providers increasingly recognise the vital link between nature and wellbeing, projects like this offer a blueprint for creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare environments.