Scotland's parks, paths, lochs and greenspaces have long supported people's health and wellbeing.  They provide vital infrastructure for our health. Yet until now, green health activity across Scotland has developed in different ways, across different sectors, without a shared strategic direction. A common cross-sector framework has been needed — and this is it.

A Framework for Advancing Green Health in Scotland is a joint statement from greenspace scotland, NatureScot and Public Health Scotland, published in March 2026. All three organisations are committed to this framework and to supporting its delivery together.

Why this framework exists

The evidence for green health is strong and growing — from cost savings to the NHS, to improvements in mental and physical health, to the role of nature connection in addressing health inequalities. But realising that potential requires a coordinated, whole-system approach. This framework provides the shared direction needed to make that happen.

It has been co-created with stakeholders from across health, environment and other sectors, and is intended to be used by policymakers, health boards, local authorities, the third sector and others as a common reference point for planning, investment and action.

We want to build on the success of Green Health Partnerships to ensure that we unlock the potential benefits of green health to everyone in Scotland.

Our shared vision

Everyone in Scotland connects with and benefits from nature every day

This framework sets out six pillars and 15 priority actions to work towards that vision — covering everything from improving access to quality greenspaces, to embedding green prescribing in Scotland's social prescribing approach, to establishing a Ministerial lead to champion green health across Scottish Government.

This is the start of a journey

Publishing this framework marks the beginning of a new phase. Realising the opportunities it sets out will require further discussion nationally and locally — with Scottish Government, local authorities, area health boards and the third and community sectors — on roles, responsibilities and funding. greenspace scotland, NatureScot and Public Health Scotland are committed to leading and supporting that shared endeavour.

Read A Framework for Advancing Green Health here