Psychological, psychosocial and physical barriers preventing nature-based intervention participation in adults with mental health disorders: A scoping review.

Nature-based interventions (NBIs) are becoming a common mental health care referral option; however, little is known about the barriers to participation. Research reveals a concentration of evidence on the practical barriers with a paucity of guidance on the personal barriers as experienced by service users. This review explores what is known on the psychological, psychosocial and physical barriers as disclosed by adult mental health service users and the various stakeholders involved in NBI.

A qualitative study of the barriers to commissioning social and therapeutic horticulture in mental health care.

Background: Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) is a process where trained practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual's physical and psychological health, communication and thinking skills. Evidence suggests that STH can support individuals with mental ill-health, however, current commissioning of STH within mental health care is limited. This study aimed to understand the barriers to commissioning STH in mental health care and to identify potential solutions to barriers, to support more widespread availability of services.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Contribution of Local Green Space and Nature Connection to Mental Health.

Background: Exposure to green space and feeling connected to the natural environment have independently been associated with improved mental health outcomes. During the coronavirus pandemic, people experienced restrictions on access to the outdoors, and health data indicated a decline in mental health in the UK general population.

Methods: Data available from two independent surveys conducted prior to and during the pandemic enabled a naturally occurring comparison of mental health and its correlates prior to and during the pandemic.

Therapeutic Community Gardening as a Green Social Prescription for Mental Ill-Health: Impact, Barriers, and Facilitators from the Perspective of Multiple Stakeholders.

The UK government has invested £5.77 million in green social prescribing to prevent and tackle mental ill-health. Therapeutic community gardening, one type of green social prescription, provides a range of health outcomes.

The Impact of Therapeutic Community Gardening on the Wellbeing, Loneliness, and Life Satisfaction of Individuals with Mental Illness.

Background: literature on the mental health benefits of therapeutic community gardening is not specific to individuals with mental illness and reports short-term outcomes. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on intervention effectiveness is also unknown. This study examined the impact of therapeutic community gardening prior to and across the pandemic on the wellbeing of individuals referred for support with their mental illness.

A cross-sectional study of physical activity behaviour and associations with wellbeing during the UK coronavirus lockdown.

This study assessed physical activity (PA) and wellbeing during lockdown. UK adults reported their PA in the previous week, perception of PA importance (more, less, same) and wellbeing, depression, anxiety and stress. One-way ANOVA compared PA and wellbeing by PA importance.

Physical fitness and prior physical activity are both associated with less cortisol secretion during psychosocial stress.

Background: Evidence linking fitness and decreased psychosocial stress comes from studies of athletes and typically relies upon self-report measures. Furthermore, there is little evidence regarding the impact of physical activity (PA) prior to a stressor. The aims of this study were to determine whether fitness and prior PA influence cortisol concentrations during psychosocial stress.

A case-control study of the health and well-being benefits of allotment gardening.

Background: Allotments in the UK are popular and waiting lists long. There is, however, little evidence on the health benefits of allotment gardening. The aims of this study were to determine the impacts of a session of allotment gardening on self-esteem and mood and to compare the mental well-being of allotment gardeners with non-gardeners.