Welcome to the Spring edition of the Think Health Think Nature e-newsletter. The light is returning, new life is emerging, some of the early flowers are blooming. It’s a hopeful time of year. You might have noticed, we’ve moved to a quarterly format- following the seasons of the year. Please do get in touch if you’d like to add anything to our Summer Edition which will land in your mailboxes in May- a wee bit early to celebrate Green Health Week- more on that below!

Another full year of delivery across the partnership. The following report presents progress in the period September 2024 to end September 2025.

Green Health: A Shared Action will focus on what green health looks like in practice as a shared, Scotland-wide action, showcasing examples from the many organisations and partnerships who are working to help bring the health and wellbeing benefits of nature to every day. It’s a great opportunity to really shout about all the amazing work happening in Highland.

As usual, we encourage everyone involved and interested in Green Health to support the week. If you are a green health provider you might put on a taster event for your weekly activity, or organise a special event to celebrate the week. We’ll be doing lots of promotion!

#GreenHealthWeek

If you’re running an event in Green Health Week, let us know using the form below to join the calendar of events.

We’re celebrating the inspirational people, projects, and partnerships that are making a real difference for Scotland’s species and habitats.

Have you contributed to meaningful change for Scotland’s nature in the last three years - or do you know someone who has? For more than a decade, the Nature of Scotland Awards have recognised excellence in nature conservation. Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, including our headline sponsor NatureScot, we shine a light on the individuals, communities, organisations, and businesses driving positive environmental action across the country.

We welcome entries from businesses, farmers, NGOs, community groups, and individuals - anyone playing a role in championing Scotland’s nature. Whether you're putting forward your own work or celebrating the achievements of others, now is the perfect moment to get involved. This is your chance to gain recognition for dedication, innovation, and collaboration in protecting Scotland’s species and habitats. The best part? It’s free to enter.

Free resources are downloadable PDFs and apps available in Highland which can be viewed at your own pace. These can be used by you on your own, with the support of someone you trust, or can be used by people supporting others. Including excellent short films about bereavement by suicide, stigma and wider impacts.

It is now only 7 months until the Global Intergenerational Congress takes place in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday 29th September to Thursday 1st October.

Sessions and Papers submissions for workshops/discussion hubs and more have been received and are now being assessed with work on the programme development starting soon.  

We received fantastic news from the National Lottery Awards for All Scotland re our Voices Less Heard initiative which will provide 40 fully funded delegate places for community practitioners and volunteers from across Scotland to attend the Global Intergenerational Congress

Whether you’re just beginning your intergenerational journey or already have extensive experience, we’re here to support you. Come along to discover what’s happening locally, nationally, and internationally across the intergenerational field.

The Step Outside Project is a new project by Ewen’s Room, in partnership with Abacus Guides, to form a small walking group and slowly build confidence, connection and skills over 5 months, and eventually tackle some of our most iconic local Hills. This project is aimed at everyone! Whether you have never worn hiking boots or a proficient walker – we welcome everyone!

Think Health Think Nature attended the Biodiversity Conference with a stall to share our available resources and promote current projects. We had some brilliant conversations and made some new connections, including with Castle Heather Park Volunteers and North Sutherland Community Forest Trust- look out for them joining the directory of services! The series of talks was really inspiring and far ranging, from peatlands to seaweeds, data collection, photography, and species detection; what was clear was the passion, dedication and commitment from the people in the room, and beyond. There was also a lot of conversation about how to get more people involved, how to reach beyond our current networks and involve younger generations. This feels very fitting with the work going on across the Highland Green Health Partnership. The day ended with an uplifting input from one of the partnerships key members, Imogen Furlong, Countryside Ranger Service Manager, who reminded us we can all make a difference to biodiversity and it all matters, no matter how small!

A great event organised by the Highland Environment Forum, The Highlife Highland Countryside Rangers and Highland Council.

Save the date for this year’s 6-week Spring Step Count Challenge, starting on Monday 20 April. Our team walking and wheeling challenge is a fun, inclusive way to get moving, feel better, and make a difference. All you need to take part is a of team 5 and a daily step count goal that works for you.

The Charter is a pledge to put climate, nature, and the benefits of green and blue health at the centre of decision-making and action, so that the natural environment and people have improved health, wellbeing, and resilience. It builds upon the previous Climate Charter by bringing together three elements that are essential for the wellbeing of the planet and people. You can sign as an individual or an organisation.

Baillie Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund’s objectives are to fairly and reasonably disburse funds resulting from the receipt of the annual grant of £100,000 from Baillie Wind Farm for the general benefit of the public living within the current boundaries of the West Caithness Community Council as the directors see fit.

Next deadline 6th April 2026

A reminder that all the Think Health Think Nature Resources can be ordered directly from the Health Improvement Resource Service (HIRS). Including the popular Almanac! They can post to your nearest NHS location, such as GP surgery or clinic.

That’s all for this time! Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy checking out all of the resources and events provided and will be back with a new update in May.

If you have something you’d like shared in our next newsletter, please send it to [email protected] by 1st May 2026.