The Trust has welcomed a statement by Alison Johnstone MSP, made during a recent debate on health in the Scottish Parliament, highlighting that more can be done to improve people’s well-being by increasing access to nature. 

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust is right to emphasise that people who are connected with their natural environment are healthier and happier.” Alison Johnstone MSP 

During the debate she said: “There is good evidence that green spaces and closer contact with nature can have a measurable benefit on people’s mental health and physical well-being.

“The Scottish Wildlife Trust is right to emphasise that people who are connected with their natural environment are healthier and happier. I support the Trust in its request that the Government should invest more in nature.”

The Trust’s Head of Policy Maggie Keegan added: “Many MSPs made the link between increased exercise and better health and well-being in the debate. What we now need is wider recognition of the fact that people who are connected with the natural environment are both happier and healthier.

“Less than 1.5% of the Scottish budget is invested in the natural environment, but increased access to high-quality green space can help tackle obesity, reduce health inequalities, and also ensure that children get the best start in life wherever they live.

“It should be a priority for the Scottish Government to commit to a smarter allocation of resources and better use of incentives regarding Scotland’s natural capital to ensure everyone in Scotland can enjoy the benefits that nature provides.”

Read the Trust's briefing on Delivering a Healthier Scotland