Sustainability Action

Nature & Biodiversity

NHSScotland has a valuable and significant outdoor estate. We also have a legal duty and responsibility to protect and enhance our outdoor estate for the benefit of nature and biodiversity (all living things). There is a wealth of good quality evidence demonstrating the positive impact that contact with nature can have on physical and mental health.

POLICY DOCUMENTS

NHS Lothian Sustainable Development Framework and Action Plan

Working with partners Greenspace Scotland, in a project funded by Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, NHS Lothian commissioned research consultants Natural Capital Solutions to conduct a Biodiversity Audit and Climate Change Assessment. This Audit will help NHS Lothian realise the full potential of its estate, not only as an environmental asset but also as an amenity offering heath benefits to the community. This work also provides NHS Lothian with a means of identifying how best to manage its green spaces to meet its ambitious sustainability goals and commitments.

NHS Orkney Biodiversity Duty Report 2018-2020

NHS Orkney takes a proactive role in meeting its responsibility towards furthering the conservation of biodiversity. We do not use pesticides and we sustainably manage waste. Across our estate maintenance of lawns and greens has a two tier approach. We identify areas of lawn which need to be kept cut regularly such as adjacent to high traffic routes, areas where external access/amenity is required and more marginal areas where grass can be left to grow longer.

NHS Lothian Biodiversity Duty Report 2018-2020

The area of urban greenspace across Edinburgh and the Lothians totals over 220 square kilometres including parks, playing fields, amenity spaces, gardens, woodlands and natural areas. The four local authorities have published Open Space Strategies setting out priorities for improving the provision, quality, access and management of green and open spaces. The NHS Lothian Greenspace and Health Strategic Framework sets the vision, strategic objectives and priorities for the NHS estate, publicly accessible greenspaces and greenspace based activities that support health and wellbeing.

PARTNER RESOURCES

Aichi Biodiversity Targets

The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity includes 20 time-bound, measurable targets to be met by the year 2020

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Scotland’s biodiversity: a route map to 2020

This route map sets out the priority work needed to meet the international Aichi Targets for biodiversity and improve the state of nature in Scotland.

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NHS Greenspace in Scotland

The Green Exercise Partnership (GEP) is a joint venture between Forestry Commission Scotland, NHS Health Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

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Biodiversity Duty Reporting in Scotland

Complying with the biodiversity duty

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Nature & Biodiversity

POLICY DOCUMENTS

NHS Lothian Sustainable Development Framework and Action Plan

NHS Orkney Biodiversity Duty Report 2018-2020

NHS Lothian Biodiversity Duty Report 2018-2020

PARTNER RESOURCES

Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Scotland’s biodiversity: a route map to 2020

NHS Greenspace in Scotland

Biodiversity Duty Reporting in Scotland

News

EXPLORE OTHER KEY AREAS

Nature & Biodiversity