Policy Adviser, Hannah Dobbin, has written about her experiences and findings from the Outdoor Recreation Network’s (ORN) conference on the outdoors and public health which took place this week.
I recently went to the Outdoor Recreation Network’s (ORN) conference on the outdoors and public health. I wanted to share with you some of the highlights and projects that are going on. All show that OR+PA=HHP: Outdoor recreation + physical activity = happy, healthy people.
The ORN is a network committed to exchanging and sharing information to develop best policy and practice in countryside recreation across the UK and Ireland. Its conference in Newport, Wales on 11/12 March 2015 brought together experts from across the nations to discuss outdoor recreation and public health.
On the first day we got to hear about projects and try some activities first hand. These included the National Trusts’ partnership with Sport England to deliver sport activities in some of its grounds and its 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ campaign which encourages families to get their children out and engaging with nature.
British Nordic Walking ran a taster session. I’ve never done it before and it was great, I could feel the effects in my arms and shoulders within the first minute. There is plenty of evidence of the positive impact Nordic Walking can have on a person’s health and wellbeing so why not give it a go? You can search for a local group here.
I also heard about a project called Growing Space. Founded in 1992, Growing Space provides support within the community for people who have suffered or are suffering from mental health problems. It helps people gain work experience and training in horticulture and woodwork.
After the activities we heard from a range of speakers including Ken Skates Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism at the Welsh Government and Dr Ruth Hussey Chief Medical Officer for Wales. There were also speeches by representatives from Public Health Wales, NHS Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Institute for Health Equity.
All in all, there was consensus that we have enough evidence that outdoor recreation is good for people’s health and wellbeing. We need to build on the exciting practice that already exists and ensure that outdoor recreation is integral to national and local health policy and practice.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Ministers' To Do List sets out our asks for the new Government. It includes a specific ask around outdoor recreation calling for:
•tA dedicated Minister to deliver the long-term outdoor strategy the UK needs
•tA strategy for the long-term preservation and promotion of the nation’s paths, trails, waterways and coastline
•tOutdoor recreation to be at the heart of a strategy to improve health
Keep an eye on the ORN events page to find out more about its spring conference.
You can find out more about our To Do List here.
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