North Yorkshire leading the way with UK’s first Protected Landscape-led Natural Health Service

Protected Landscapes should be formally recognised as a core part of the UK’s national infrastructure supporting health, prevention, and community wellbeing, according to a major new report by York St John University. 

The report sets out compelling evidence that nature-based health programmes delivered across National Parks and Protected Landscapes can significantly improve mental, physical and social wellbeing, while supporting the NHS’s shift from treatment to prevention. It highlights the success of the UK’s first Protected Landscape-led Natural Health Service, demonstrating how the nation’s protected natural landscapes can play a more substantive role in delivering improved public outcomes. 

It comes at a critical time, with the April 2026 Health Foundation report showing that while people are living longer, the number of years spent in good health is not keeping pace. At the same time, loneliness is increasingly recognised as a growing public health challenge, strongly linked to poor mental health, reduced wellbeing and lower levels of physical activity. 

The pilot initiative, led by North York Moors Trust, was supported by £100,000 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority via the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. It brought together a partnership of public and charitable organisations across North Yorkshire during a trial that completed in March 2026. 

Partners included the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Howardian Hills National Landscape, and Nidderdale National Landscape. Together, they delivered a coordinated programme designed to reach those most at risk of poor health outcomes, including individuals experiencing isolation, long-term health conditions, cancer survivorship, unemployment, caring responsibilities, and members of the armed forces community. 

The report provides compelling evidence that structured, supported engagement with nature delivers meaningful improvements. Evaluation, which included interviews with participants and professionals across the sector found that: 

• Mental wellbeing increased by 24%
• Social wellbeing increased by 17.5% 
• Physical wellbeing increased by 13.5% 
• Loneliness reduced by 15.2% 

Participants consistently reported feeling: 

• Calmer and less anxious
• More socially connected to others and their communities
• More confident and motivated
• More inclined to be active outdoors
• A stronger appreciation of Protected Landscapes and their value 

Group-based activities in non-clinical environments helped individuals feel like ‘people, not patients’. This shift significantly enhanced confidence, belonging, and engagement. 

Dr Tom Ratcliffe, Lecturer in Sustainability, Tourism and Heritage Management at York Business School, led the research team. He said:  

“Our evaluation shows unequivocally that the Natural Health Service for North Yorkshire works. In just ten weeks, participants experienced measurable improvements in mental and physical wellbeing, stronger social connection, and reduced loneliness; all through supported interaction with nature. 

“The task now is to embed and scale this approach so that green social prescribing becomes a routine part of prevention and early intervention across North Yorkshire’s Protected Landscapes and our wider health and care systems." 

James Metcalfe, Executive Director of the North York Moors Trust and Project Manager, said:  

“We know that people are living longer, but not necessarily living well for longer, whilst loneliness and inactivity are rising and placing growing pressure on our health system. The Natural Health Service for North Yorkshire shows how connecting people with our National Parks and Landscapes can improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people stay healthier and more active for longer.” 

The programme marks a step change in how Protected Landscapes are understood, not just as places to visit, but as vital health and wellbeing infrastructure that can contribute to national public outcomes. By working with communities, these landscapes have shown they can support prevention and early intervention in health and social care, contribute to public health and neighbourhood health models, and play a meaningful role in inclusive community development. The programme invested in workforce development, delivering training for professionals across health, housing, employment, debt advice, and community services. The report revealed overwhelming support for the approach among professionals who undertook the training. 

The report also identified key barriers to scaling the model. These include unclear referral pathways, limited awareness among both professionals and the public, insufficient integration within NHS systems, and challenges posed by short-term funding.  

Building on the initial investment, the programme’s next phase is already taking steps to address these issues and strengthen the foundations for wider implementation. A further £550,000 of funding will support this expansion. David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has committed support from his Active Travel Fund, enabling the programme to deepen its integration into health and community systems. The next phase aims to benefit more than 1,500 participants including adults, children, and families; and 400 professionals over the next 18 months. 

As the UK continues to respond to growing pressures on health and care systems, including rising levels of poor mental health, inactivity, and social isolation, the integration of nature-based solutions offers a powerful, scalable opportunity to build healthier communities and help people live not just longer, but better. 

Research from York Business School with Protected Landscapes and National Parks 

About Dr Tom Ratcliffe