Thursday, 5 DECEMBER, 2025

Photos attached: from Left - Hope Busak (RSPB), NHS Tayside Occupational Therapy Team Lead Lorna Strachan, David Hunt (RSPB) Nature of Scotland Awards 2025

Healing Spaces Highly Commended at Nature of Scotland Awards

A ‘Healing Spaces’ project which helps improve the wellbeing, long-term recovery and mental health of patients across NHS Tayside has been highly commended at the 2025 Nature of Scotland Awards.

The initiative empowers people to connect with nature, themselves, and one another, improving wellbeing, biodiversity, and long-term recovery. Healing Spaces is transforming care across inpatient and community learning disability services and mental health services across NHS Tayside, embedding nature as a partner in recovery from the Carseview Recovery Garden’s “wee forest” to community projects at Hawkhill Day Hospital. Healing Spaces has also supported Scotland's first Green Therapy Occupational Therapy student placement.

Occupational Therapy Team Lead Lorna Strachan alongside RSPB partners proudly attended the awards ceremony, she said, “I am delighted that Healing Spaces has been Highly Commended. For me, this recognition isn’t just about an award - it’s about celebrating the people, partnerships, and creativity that have brought the project to life. It shows what’s possible when we work together to make nature accessible, inclusive, and part of everyday recovery. It’s wonderful that Healing Spaces is helping both people and places thrive.”

This award reflects the dedication of patients, staff, and partners including RSPB Scotland, The Wild Dundee Project, Bellrock Facilities Management, Hawkhill Day Hospital, Carseview Centre and Craigmill Skills Centre, proving that healing happens when people and nature thrive together. Co-produced green spaces and inclusive and collaborative partnerships help people reconnect with nature, improve wellbeing, and build resilience, while enhancing biodiversity in therapeutic environments across hospital and community settings.

The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a light on the great work being done to help Scotland’s species and habitats and were hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Lolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart in a ceremony held in Edinburgh.

Contact:

Nisha Pawar

NHS Tayside Communications

07483 354741