We All Need Nature

Neil Hickson
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  • Mental Health
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The ‘We All Need Nature’ podcast is based on the simple idea that humans are part of nature and need some daily contact with the natural environment to thrive. Research shows how a lack of contact with the natural world can negatively impact our mental and physical health and, conversely, how more contact can be positive. The modern Western lifestyle and industrial working environment detach us from nature. This podcast looks to explore this problem, examine the consequences and find solutions.

Episodes

  1. A Dose Of Nature - Walking at Edge Hill University

    07/06/2025

    A Dose Of Nature - Walking at Edge Hill University

    Join us for a special on-location episode as we explore the transformative power of nature-based wellbeing at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Lancashire.  What You'll Discover: How a simple campus walk became a powerful prescription for mental health The inspiring story of Head Gardener Andy Rimmer, who transformed his life by moving from corporate stress to outdoor work Insights from Professor Michelle Howarth on the science behind social prescribing and nature-based interventions Real-world examples of how social prescribing is helping people overcome isolation and improve their wellbeing Why we've become "human doings" instead of "human beings" - and how to change that Featured Guests: Professor Michelle Howarth (Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University) Andy Rimmer (Head Gardener, Edge Hill University) Emma Allan-Taylor (Social Prescribing Team Leader, NHS) Lauren Gwynne (Wild Warrior Wellness Community Interest Company) Chris Kirkland (Former professional footballer, Edge Hill University Ambassador) This episode captures the conversations and insights from Edge Hill's "Dose of Nature" walk - a quarterly initiative that brings together staff, students, and community members to experience the healing power of green spaces. Discover why nature connection isn't a luxury, but essential medicine for our mental and physical health. Learn how universities, healthcare providers, and communities are putting research into practice with simple, accessible interventions that anyone can try. Perfect for listeners interested in: Mental health and wellbeing Social prescribing and nature-based interventions Community health initiatives Sustainable living and green spaces Personal transformation stories Duration: 30 minutes Recorded: Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire Remember: the most powerful medicine might be just outside your door. Give yourself permission to step into nature today. #NatureTherapy #SocialPrescribing #MentalHealthAwareness #GreenSpaces #CommunityWellbeing #EdgeHillUniversity

    28 min
  2. Occupational Therapists and Their Role in Green Social Prescribing

    01/06/2025

    Occupational Therapists and Their Role in Green Social Prescribing

    In this illuminating episode, retired Occupational Therapist Alison Blundell shares her wealth of experience and reveals how green spaces can become powerful therapeutic environments. Through engaging stories from her three-decade career, Alison explains how occupational therapy goes far beyond what many might expect – it's not just about getting people back to work, but about helping them find meaning and purpose in everyday activities. Join host Neil Hickson at his community farm as Alison explores how natural environments can be thoughtfully adapted to help people facing various challenges, from stroke recovery to dementia. She shares inspiring examples of how simple activities like planting seeds or walking through a garden can be transformed into meaningful therapeutic experiences that build confidence and restore dignity. Whether you're interested in social prescribing, healthcare, or the healing power of nature, this episode offers fresh insights into how green spaces and occupational therapy can work together to help people rediscover their capabilities and sense of self. Alison's passionate perspective reveals why connecting people with nature might be more powerful than we ever imagined.

    24 min
  3. Discover the Healing Power of Creativity: Beyond Screens and Into Clay

    12/02/2024

    Discover the Healing Power of Creativity: Beyond Screens and Into Clay

    Join host Neil Hickson as he sits down with Cecilia Holmes, a pottery teacher and former nurse, to explore how creativity can be a powerful antidote to our modern mental health challenges. In this intimate conversation, Cecilia shares her journey from burnout to balance, revealing how working with your hands—particularly through art and craft—can be a transformative experience for mental well-being. Learn how: Simple creative activities can pull us away from passive digital consumption Art provides a therapeutic escape from everyday stress Reconnecting with your inner child through creativity can boost emotional resilience Whether you're feeling disconnected, struggling with mental health, or simply curious about the healing potential of art, this episode offers inspiring insights into how making something with your hands can mend the mind. From pottery workshops to community connections, Cecilia demonstrates that creativity isn't just a hobby—it's a lifeline. Tune in and rediscover the joy of creating, playing, and healing. A 'We All Need Nature' production exploring green social prescribing and holistic well-being.

    25 min
  4. The Healing Power of Nature: A Conversation with Sam Pywell

    11/23/2024

    The Healing Power of Nature: A Conversation with Sam Pywell

    Discover how nature's healing power is transforming healthcare in this episode of "We All Need Nature" featuring Sam Pywell, head of the Social Prescribing Unit at the University of Central Lancashire. In a world where screens dominate, and concrete jungles expand, there's a revolutionary movement taking root in healthcare: green social prescribing. Join host Neil Hickson as he delves deep into conversation with Sam Pywell, whose groundbreaking work is helping bridge the gap between traditional medicine and nature-based healing. From establishing a university department dedicated to social prescribing to conducting vital research that's shaping the future of healthcare, Sam shares invaluable insights into how reconnecting with nature can transform lives. Her personal journey - from outdoor education instructor to academic pioneer - offers a compelling glimpse into why nature-based interventions are gaining traction in modern healthcare. This episode uncovers the challenges and triumphs of implementing green social prescribing programs, explores funding solutions, and reveals why measuring success goes far beyond mere numbers. Whether you're a healthcare professional, community organiser, or simply someone curious about the healing power of nature, Sam's expertise and passionate advocacy for nature-based healing will inspire you to rethink the role of the outdoors in mental health and wellbeing. Listen to discover how this growing movement is helping people rediscover their connection to nature - and themselves - one prescription at a time.

    20 min
  5. Sample Episode - Blue Social Prescribing with the canal

    03/31/2024

    Sample Episode - Blue Social Prescribing with the canal

    In this episode, I interviewed Vicki Birch, the Canals and River Trust's Participation, Health & Wellbeing Project Manager (North West). Vicki came to volunteer for the day at our project, Burscough Community Farm. She told me the story of how getting involved with water sports changed her life, her family's lives and even her career. This is a pilot episode and there are many more to come.

    25 min

  6. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    The 'We All Need Nature' Podcast Trailer

    Launching soon - the green social prescribing podcast The ‘We All Need Nature’ podcast highlights the simple idea that humans are part of nature and benefit from daily contact with the natural environment in order to thrive. Since the Industrial Revolution, Western society has become increasingly detached from an outdoor life. Research shows a lack of contact with the natural world can negatively impact our mental and physical health. Conversely, more contact can have positive beneficial effects. We tell the stories of how reconnecting with nature has helped people improve their lives.

    2 min

Trailer

About

The ‘We All Need Nature’ podcast is based on the simple idea that humans are part of nature and need some daily contact with the natural environment to thrive. Research shows how a lack of contact with the natural world can negatively impact our mental and physical health and, conversely, how more contact can be positive. The modern Western lifestyle and industrial working environment detach us from nature. This podcast looks to explore this problem, examine the consequences and find solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Neil Hickson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Neil Hickson
  • Show Website
    We All Need Nature