The Health Forest method has been proven to improve psychological wellbeing in a clinically significant way. A nature prescription for visiting the forest – yes, it is possible!
Health Forest is a method based on the projects of Sitra and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Read more about the history of the method.
Doctor Anders Mickos, who is one of the developers of the method, has presented the above pyramid model that describes the utilisation of Health Forest at the population level. The top of the pyramid symbolises the smallest section of population taking part in the forest groups. The wider middle part benefits from support and encouragement, such as health nature trails. For the largest group (base of the pyramid), the awareness of the wellbeing impacts of nature is sufficient.
Health Forest is a method that has been proven to work
The Health Forest method is one of the world’s first forest therapy models that has been scientifically proven to work (Fronties.org). The method has undergone a peer review in the Management of Health and Wellbeing Promotion programme (Hyte) of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. The evidence-based practice is regarded suitable for promoting the health and wellbeing of different population groups,
According to studies, the mental wellbeing of participants to the Health Forest activities improved clinically in a significant way:
- perceived health and functional ability improved.
- factors protecting mental health increased, such as energy levels, relaxation, feeling able to deal with problems, having positive feelings and feeling close to other people.
It was also reported that those who initially rated their mental health as poor stated that their mental health improved, contrary to those taking part in the exercise group that acted as a peer group.
Launched in 2018, the study was directed by Research Professor Timo Partonen of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. General practitioner Annika Kolster from the University of Helsinki was mainly responsible for analysing the material and writing the research paper. The study was funded by the Child and Nature Foundation with respect to the forest walks.
Nature prescription for patients – a significant change in perspective
The fact that a healthcare professional is supporting me, that I am taken into account, and that this kind of thing could help me. A healthcare professional cares about us. That means a lot.”– a respondent to the interview stud”
– interview survey respondent
In its simplest form, a nature prescription means a recommendation made to a client by a doctor, nurse or social worker to utilise nature in support of mental wellbeing and general health.
In the Health Forest method, the nature prescription means access to a series of seven walks in the forest led by a professional guide.
The walks include various forest immersion exercises with the objective of supporting the participant to stop, sense and observe nature, to learn new things and to experience a stronger connection to themselves and to nature.
With the series of walks, the participant’s awareness of the wellbeing impacts of nature deepens and they learn to utilise nature in support of their mental wellbeing.
The nature prescription has been developed in partnership with professionals in the Sipoo health centre. According to our experience, genuine and open cooperation is a cornerstone for the implementation of the entire potential of the method.
According to the interview study (urn.fi) conducted as a thesis of healthcare nurse Malin Heikkinen, the participants of Health Forest group found it important that it has been possible to access the service via the health and social services.
The study on the participants’ experiences was conducted 2–4 years after taking part in the activity. Since taking part in the activity, at least some of the participants still find themselves close to nature and have carried on accessing nature more actively than before.
Become a trained Health Forest guide
Are you a nature expert or healthcare professional? Are you seeking to gain more qualifications concerning nature’s positive impacts on wellbeing?
Our course provides the basic skills to lead Health Forest walks.
The course is mainly aimed at
- health and social welfare professionals with nature-related interests
- professionals in nature education or nature guidance with interests and skills related to wellbeing
The next course will be held in Helsinki on 26–27 September 2024.
Read more and register for the course! (!!!LINK to ENG)
