12 Nature Prescriptions Doctors Are Now Writing—and How They Help
Doctors and health teams are increasingly doing something simple but powerful: writing prescriptions that send people outside. These prescriptions can be as straightforward as a referral to a community garden, a guided forest walk, or a weekly park-based activity. The idea is to treat time in nature as a legitimate, low-risk complement to other forms of care. Research and on-the-ground programs now back that approach, and adoption has accelerated since the pandemic drove home just how central outdoor spaces are to well-being. You don't need to be an athlete or a nature expert to benefit—many programs focus on gentle, sensory activities and social connection that fit into ordinary lives. This post walks through the evidence, real program models from places like Sweden and Philadelphia, economic arguments, and practical steps both clinicians and patients can take. Read on to understand what a nature prescription looks like, why clinicians are writing them, and how you or a loved one could try one safely. We'll also point you to examples and tips so you can move from curiosity to a small, steady habit that supports mood, movement, and community.
1. What a "nature prescription" actually looks like
A nature prescription is a written or formal recommendation from a health professional that encourages a patient to spend time in specified outdoor activities. Instead of simply telling someone to "get outside more," a clinician might provide a printed referral with details—recommended frequency, suggested local groups, safety notes, and follow-up plans. This structure helps patients treat time outdoors like any other therapeutic habit. For example, a prescription could recommend three 30-minute guided park walks per week, or joining a therapeutic gardening group once a week for two months. The written form reduces ambiguity and signals clinical support, which increases follow-through for many people. In some programs, clinicians use a standardized template that includes an activity goal and contact info for community partners. That added clarity matters for patients who need concrete next steps. Clinicians also tailor prescriptions to mobility, transportation, and sensory needs so the plan is realistic and safe. When paired with brief counseling on what to expect, a nature prescription can be a steady, manageable part of a patient’s care plan.
2. How widespread this practice already is
Nature prescriptions are not a niche experiment anymore. Organizations tracking the trend report thousands of clinicians adopting these approaches. Nature Canada notes that more than 10,000 healthcare providers have begun incorporating green prescriptions into their care conversations and referrals. Adoption varies by region. The UK has well-developed social prescribing networks, Sweden has national campaigns linking nature to health, and many community programs have popped up across the U.S. Clinicians who write these prescriptions include primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and mental health professionals who want low-risk, preventive options for mood and stress concerns. The pandemic helped accelerate uptake as providers and patients noticed the mental and physical benefits of safe outdoor time. That said, adoption rates differ between urban and rural areas because program infrastructure and green space access vary. Where organized community partners and referral directories exist, clinicians are more likely to prescribe. Overall, the growing number of providers signals a shift: nature is moving from lifestyle advice to a supported therapeutic option in mainstream practice.
