Ruth is the Nature Recovery Ranger at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She is one of the rangers for the Healthy by Nature project, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
My passion for environmental justice, healing our relationship with nature and making green spaces accessible to all is something that drew me to the role of Nature Recovery Ranger as well as a growing concern for our disconnection with the natural world. The role provides a great opportunity to take steps towards addressing inequalities in health and access to green space through meaningful nature connection. Access to nature is a right and not a privilege. I hope through this role I can begin to break down some of the barriers to nature connectivity – creating green spaces and nature-based activities that feel welcoming and accessible to everyone. I am enthusiastic about building community, especially where this inspires nature connection with its associated health and wellbeing benefits.
My background is in life sciences, having studied Biochemistry at Bristol University. I have always been struck by the intrinsic balance within natural systems and how we can look to nature to support our own health and wellbeing. I campaigned on sustainability issues as a student, including a shift towards plant-based university catering. I recently completed a woodland skills training course with the charity Avon Needs Trees, building skills and knowledge in tree care and sustainable woodland management.
I love how varied the ranger role is. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be able to spend a good amount of time out and about on site, making the most of green spaces. It is so valuable to be able to take time out away from the screen. I hope to provide staff on site with more chances to enjoy these outdoor spaces through improvements and activities such as a staff gardening club.
My favourite spot at the main hospital site is Mark’s Meadow! This is a small area that has been full of life over the summer months. I’ve enjoyed exploring the meadow, finding caterpillars, insects and butterflies, collecting wildflower seeds, and working with staff to record plants and wildflowers growing in the area. We have a sightings board for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy and learn about what’s in the meadow.
I love seeing how things grow and evolve as the seasons change. I am looking forward to tree and bulb planting in the autumn and winter months, as well as building a picture of the wildlife on site and how we can support and boost biodiversity. There are lots of amazing initiatives and groups in the wider community doing great things to support nature locally. I aim to explore how we can link up and support each other.
I have plans for a wide range of projects to improve the site from weeding, clearing and planting up the new sensory garden to introducing some more green into the “concrete jungle” courtyards. I’m very keen to grow the staff gardening club and develop lots of activities that involve patients. I think it’s important to go where the energy is, find out what it is that patients and staff need and enjoy about the nature on site and use this to lead the planning of activities over the different seasons. I am looking forward to the challenge of the shorter days as we approach autumn and winter – ensuring there are opportunities to get outside, particularly for clinical staff where shift patterns mean exposure to natural light in winter months is very limited. This is so important for health and our circadian rhythms.
To get in touch with Ruth, email info@nhsforest.org.
Banner image: Ruth on site at Dorset County Hospital