Integrating Nature-based Interventions into the NHS
Phase 1
In October 2023, 20 NHS Sussex Staff participated in the Certificate in Nature-based Training with a view to implementing nature-based practice into their workplace, these places and the subsequent research was generously funded by Natural England.
All staff were working with young people with complex mental health in Sussex, with roles including occupational therapist, mental health professional, nurse, outreach, forensics; working with psychosis, personality disorders, self-harm, eating disorders etc. These staff attended a training on nature-based health interventions through our Certificate in Nature-based Practice Training and then took part in qualitative individual and group interviews with an academic researcher Dr Max Hope, to evaluate their experience with using nature-based interventions in their subsequent work with service-users.
The final report Exploring the impact of nature-based training on practitioners in mental health and public, primary, and community health services, Author: Dr Max Hope, June 2024 has now been published and can be read and downloaded here.
We are please to share that our partnership with Natural England continues and we will be welcoming a new group of NHS trainees accompanied by an academic research project to start in October 2024.
Exploring the impact of nature-based training on practitioners in mental health and public, primary, and community health services
Author: Dr Max Hope, June 2024, Funded in Partnership with Natural England
Phase 2
In October 2024, 16 NHS Sussex staff completed the Level 3 Certificate in Nature-based Training With funding from Natural England, equipping them to integrate nature-based practices into their work with individuals facing complex mental health challenges, such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, and self-harm. This training was accomapnied by a second round of qualitiive research by Daniel Ford Ph.D. Download the interim report below.
Download our report: Embedding Nature-based Practice and Nature Recovery Strategies into Public Healthcare
Author: Daniel Ford PhD, September 2025, Funded in Partnership with Natural England
Press coverage from our 2025 celebration event
With thanks to Our Funding Partners, Natural England
Train With Us
Do you want to join the next Certificate in Nature-based Training co-facilitated by nature experts Marina Robb and Jon Cree?
Through a combination of experiential learning, webinars and online resources, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to work with people in a range of outdoor settings.
The course is suited to professionals who support children, young people and adults, including:
- Psychotherapists or psychologists
- Health professionals
- Mental health, social or youth workers
- Teachers
- Occupational therapists
- Art, drama or play therapists
- Creative practitioners
- Family, support, time & recovery workers
- Psychiatrists
About Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC
Circle of Life Rediscovery (CLR) is an award-winning Community Interest Company, founded in 2004 by Managing Director and author Marina Robb. For over 20 years we have pioneered nature-based programmes that improve mental health, wellbeing, education and community resilience.
We are proud to be:
- An approved East Sussex Outdoor Centre
- Recognised ITC Centre (Awarding Body) – accredited training in outdoor learning and first aid
- A John Muir Award Provider – Discovery and Explorer Level
- A trusted partner for the NHS, local authorities, schools and community organisations
- Experienced in co-developing programmes that deliver measurable health, social and educational outcomes
- Leaders in combining direct delivery for young people, adults and families with professional training and capacity-building
- Embedding nature-based practice across health, education and social care systems
Our work has been recognised nationally, with recent accolades including:
- Gold and Silver Positive Practice Awards, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (2025)
- Therapeutic Services Provider of the Year (2023)
- SPARK Environmental Achievement Award (2016)
- Highly Commended, National Innovation in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Awards