"[The Green Health Walk] will lead to anticipated benefits in relation to physical health outcomes and potential improvements in confidence building, self-esteem, and social skills etc. as well as improving staff well-being"
Wayne Burrows, Specialist Services Network Matron at GMMH
Walking for health
he Green Health walk was commissioned by Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust in 2020 a marked walking route for visitors, staff and service users to enjoy at Prestwich Hospital. The walk enhances the healing environment and provide opportunities for exercise, learning and socialising.
Sow the City conducted an ecological survey and carried out an open room consultation with staff and service users to inform the development of the walk.
In March 2020, the construction of the walk was completed by Sow the City staff and volunteers from the hospital. The Green Health Walk is a 20 minute stroll through the grounds with seven new ‘stations’ to visit: a heritage orchard, allotment, herb bed, natural sculpture, bird and bat habitat boxes, and native woodland. As well as providing points of interest, the stations offer additional benefits including produce for the hospital café, new habitat for wildlife and both climate change and surface water flooding mitigation.
The Green Health Walk is signposted, and maps are available for route navigation. Pick up on site or download a copy here.
