Across Canada, doctors are doing something surprising: they’re prescribing time outdoors. Known as park prescriptions or “PaRx,” this movement is more than a nice idea—it’s a quietly brilliant health intervention that’s gaining a solid scientific backbone. It’s not just about getting people to breathe fresher air or stretch their legs a bit more—it’s about redefining what healthcare can look like in the 21st century. And now, research is starting to show that it works, both in measurable health outcomes and in how people relate to the natural world around them.
What the study in Canada uncovered
A recent Canadian study published in Wellbeing, Space, and Society analysed responses from over 3,500 people and found that only about 8% knew such programmes exist—but a striking 75% said they’d be more likely to go for a walk in nature if their doctor recommended it. That’s the kind of insight that gets health researchers nodding: people trust their doctors, and a little nudge towards a park could go a long way.
The study also highlighted how these prescriptions could be a rare win-win. Time outdoors isn’t just good for physical and mental health—it builds a connection to nature, which often results in more environmentally conscious behaviour. People who feel a sense of connection to green spaces are more likely to vote for conservation measures, donate to wildlife charities, or simply pick up litter on a walk. As the researchers put it, park prescriptions have the potential to simultaneously support public health and environmental stewardship.
It’s a simple idea that reflects a growing understanding that humans aren’t separate from nature—we’re part of it. And when that relationship is damaged, our health can suffer. Repairing it doesn’t necessarily require massive interventions. Sometimes, a gentle nudge to visit your local woodland can be enough to change habits—and mindsets—long-term.
Why doctors are prescribing forest walks
The PaRx programme, created by the BC Parks Foundation, recommends that people spend at least two hours a week in nature, ideally broken into 20-minute sessions. These aren’t just arbitrary figures. They’re backed by years of research linking time outdoors to reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), better sleep, lower blood pressure, and improved mood. Some studies have even suggested that spending time in nature can boost immune function and aid recovery from illness.
What makes PaRx particularly effective is how it’s delivered. Rather than vague advice like “try getting outside more,” doctors can now write formal prescriptions. These come with clear guidelines and often with added perks, such as free or discounted access to national parks. The formality of a prescription gives weight to the recommendation—it turns it from something nice to do into something that feels necessary and intentional.
This shift in approach is crucial. For many patients, especially those experiencing depression, anxiety, or chronic stress, the idea of organising a trip to a park can feel overwhelming. But when that idea comes from a trusted health professional—and it comes with a physical pass or a concrete plan—it becomes something far more manageable and motivating.
The real-world barriers—and how people are solving them
Of course, not everyone finds it easy to access nature. The study dug into these barriers and found some common threads: transport issues, safety concerns, cost, lack of information, and a general sense that nature is “for other people.” These barriers are particularly strong for younger adults, new immigrants, parents with small children, and people from underrepresented communities.
But this wasn’t just a list of problems. The study also gathered ideas from participants about what would help. People asked for free or low-cost passes, better transport connections to parks and green spaces, multilingual information materials, and more inclusive programming. In short, they wanted help getting there—and assurance that they’d feel welcome once they arrived.
The PaRx programme has already begun to tackle some of these gaps. Doctors in Canada can offer free admission to participating national parks, and the BC Parks Foundation is working with local organisations to ensure access isn’t limited by postcode or income. There are partnerships with community health centres, culturally sensitive outreach efforts, and even plans to create nature-based programmes for specific patient groups, such as those managing chronic pain or social isolation.
These aren’t small tweaks. They’re foundational shifts in how health and environmental services can overlap. And they’re being shaped directly by the people who stand to benefit most.
More than just fewer GP visits
One of the strongest arguments for nature prescriptions is that they have potential to reduce strain on health systems. Fewer GP appointments, less reliance on medication, better management of long-term conditions—all of these are possible outcomes when people feel mentally and physically better thanks to regular outdoor time.
But that’s only part of the story. What makes PaRx and similar schemes so compelling is that they speak to a deeper idea: that wellness isn’t just the absence of illness. It’s about feeling connected—to nature, to community, and to oneself. Spending time outside encourages reflection, creativity, and even a sense of awe—emotions that have been shown to have lasting psychological benefits.
And for those who already love the outdoors, these prescriptions serve as validation. They reinforce that green space isn’t just recreation—it’s restoration. It’s not an optional extra. It’s something worth prioritising.
The global spread of nature prescriptions
While Canada is getting a lot of attention for the PaRx programme, the idea has spread much further. The United States has seen similar initiatives take root, especially in urban areas where stress levels are high and access to green space is limited. In Scotland, doctors have been working with environmental organisations like RSPB to offer structured nature experiences for patients since 2017. These include birdwatching walks, guided forest bathing, and garden visits.
In the UK, we’ve seen the emergence of projects like Dose of Nature, which offers structured nature-based activities for people with anxiety and depression. Social prescribing more broadly is gaining traction within the NHS, with initiatives that include everything from allotment gardening to walking groups and even outdoor art therapy. But park prescriptions offer something slightly different—a formal, medically endorsed recommendation that connects health and nature in a very direct way.
It’s the kind of programme that could scale quickly if the infrastructure is there. What’s needed now is national coordination, consistent training for health professionals, and stronger links between GP surgeries and local parks or green organisations. There’s already momentum—it just needs the right kind of push.
Why now is the time to act
We’re living through a mental health crisis, a climate crisis, and a time when many people feel disconnected and burnt out. Nature might not be a cure-all, but it’s one of the few interventions that can benefit nearly everyone, with virtually no downside.
Giving people access to green space isn’t a luxury—it’s a public health strategy. One that’s affordable, scalable, and profoundly human. And when paired with healthcare, it becomes even more powerful. It’s a chance to address physical health, mental wellbeing, and environmental awareness all at once.
It also challenges us to think differently about what care looks like. A prescription for a walk in the woods might not sound radical—but for someone stuck in a cycle of stress, loneliness, or chronic illness, it could be life-changing.
What’s next for nature prescriptions?
In Canada, the next steps include expanding PaRx to more provinces, gathering long-term data on health outcomes, and integrating it more formally into general practice. They’re also looking at how to tailor the programme for children, older adults, and people with mobility challenges.
In the UK, there’s growing support for green prescribing—but it needs a stronger structure. The NHS could lead the way by creating formal pathways for nature prescriptions, providing training for GPs and nurses, and investing in partnerships with local councils and park services. There’s a real opportunity here to bring together health, environment, and community in a way that benefits everyone.
A doctor saying, “You’d benefit from more time outdoors” is helpful. But one who follows it with, “Here’s your free entry pass, a nearby map, and someone who’ll meet you there on Thursday”—that’s transformative.
So yes, it’s time we started treating nature like the medicine it is. Not as an afterthought, but as part of our healthcare toolkit. Because the future of wellbeing might just begin where the pavement ends and the forest path begins.