A NATIONAL Forest award has been given to Salisbury District Hospital for the transformation of health, well-being, and biodiversity.

The award came just as the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) began.

NHS Forest inspires and supports sites that have created inspiring green spaces and Salisbury District Hospital has worked hard to create biodiversity in the 20 hectares of the natural countryside around the hospital.

A key part of the award was the full-colour nature guide with illustrations, scientific information, and a seasonal calendar written by NHS staff member James Macpherson.

Sustainability manager at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Gemma Heath said: “Thanks to dedicated and collaborative working between nature groups, staff member James Macpherson, ArtCare, and the Facilities Waste and Grounds team, I am delighted that the hospital has won the national NHS Forest Award for Successful Ways to Support Biodiversity."

ArtCare partnered with artists to host an eight-week course providing activities for mental health referral participants and a garden was developed to support younger mental health patients through collaborating with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and a Children and Adolescent Mental Service (CAMHS).

Gemma added: “The natural environment is an important part of our hospital site and has a vital role to play as we work towards a greener NHS. It provides staff, patients, and visitors with increased wellbeing, helps reduce carbon emissions, supports habitat and species conservation, and encourages education about the importance of nature.”