12 Nature Prescriptions Doctors Are Now Writing—and How They Help

9. Cost-effectiveness and economic arguments

Evidence suggests nature-based programs can be very cost-effective. A study of community health walks in Glasgow estimated a social return of about eight pounds for every one pound invested, largely by preventing costly downstream healthcare use. Nature-based prescriptions tend to be low-cost to run—using public parks, volunteer leaders, and existing community groups—yet they can produce measurable health benefits that reduce demand for higher-cost services. That economic logic makes green prescriptions attractive to public health planners and payers interested in prevention. Still, quantifying returns is complex because benefits include mental well-being, social connection, and small gains in physical health that add up over time. Robust evaluation and standard metrics would help scale funding models. Even so, early economic data supports the idea that modest investments in green programming can yield meaningful returns for communities and health systems.

10. How clinicians actually write and refer these prescriptions

Clinicians who prescribe nature often use simple tools: a one-page form, a checklist, and a short referral script. The form typically lists the activity, recommended frequency (for example, two 30-minute walks per week), and local partner contacts. Doctors brief patients on safety (appropriate footwear, hydration, and weather planning) and set a follow-up to discuss progress. Some clinics maintain curated directories of vetted community partners—walking groups, therapeutic gardens, and trained forest therapy guides—to ease referrals. Electronic health records can include a referral note so other members of the care team know the plan. For patients with mobility or access barriers, clinicians adapt recommendations—suggesting balcony time, window gardening, or shorter, nearby circuits. Training modules and service directories make it easier for clinicians to feel confident recommending nature, and link workers or social prescribers often manage the logistics so patients don’t have to arrange everything themselves.