National Parks for Health: A Natural Health Service – Green Halo Conference 2024

The Green Halo Partnership invited delegates to immerse themselves in the New Forest National Park at a major conference to highlight the value of nature to our health and wellbeing in the face of the climate, nature and health crises.

It is 75 years since Parliament passed legislation to create National Parks in England and Wales, recognising the health-giving benefits of access to inspirational landscapes and the natural world. They heard from inspirational speakers, learned from impactful case studies and discussed shaping the role of National Parks and nature in the nation’s health for the next 75 years.

The Green Halo Partnership brings together organisations from across the public, private and third sectors who value, protect and strive to improve our natural world. The idea of the Green Halo was created in the New Forest National Park but the benefits we get from nature are not constrained by boundaries.

Raising awareness of the contribution the natural environment makes to our health and wellbeing is a key theme of the Green Halo Partnership. The event on 12 June 2024 focussed on valuing nature and its benefits for our unique combination of world class landscapes, people and business. The event was held by the New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority and Bournemouth University.

Leading the conversation on National Parks for health were:

• Dr Tammy Boyce, Senior Research Associate at Institute of Health Equity. Read the presentation.

• Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health at Hampshire County Council. Read the presentation.

• Anita Kerwin-Nye, Charity Leader and Consultant. Read the presentation.

• Professor Keith Phalp, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Bournemouth University. Read the presentation.

• Dr Ann Hemingway, Professor of Public Health and Wellbeing at Bournemouth University.

• Dan Parsons, Chair of the New Forest Marque.

• Dan Raven-Ellison, Slow Ways and Outdoor Office Day. Read the presentation.

• Leigh Johnstone, the Beardy Gardener. Read the presentation.

• Mark Drury, Director / Co-founder at SPUD. Read the presentation.

Delegates heard about local projects and opportunities that are helping realise the Green Halo vision. There were optional short outdoor opportunities to experience the beauty of the New Forest National Park and a New Forest Marque lunch with networking opportunities.

Delegates gave their thoughts on next steps. Read the feedback.