Merry Christmas from all of us at
Think Health Think Nature
Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Think Health Think Nature e-newsletter. This time of year is often very full, of celebration, reflection and sometimes unwanted pressure. Connecting with nature through the winter is a great way to support your health and wellbeing. Can you take some time to yourself over the next couple of weeks to notice nature around you? Maybe nature connection could be part of your New Years resolutions if that is your thing! From everyone at Think Health Think Nature, on behalf of all partners, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes!
Small Grant Fund open in Badenoch & Strathspey
Inspiring Scotland Annual Report
“We are a venture philanthropy organisation. This means we apply venture capital principles – such as long-term investment and tailored development support – to the voluntary sector. In doing this, we aim to build a Scotland where everyone has the same opportunities to reach their potential and lead happy and healthy lives.”
Two new case studies from Highlife Highland Countryside Rangers!
Introducing Youth Participation & Engagement Worker, Katy Duncan and the Innovation Challenge Project
The Innovation Challenge project, “Enabling Connections through Green and Creative Spaces” has been developed through new funding awarded to NHS Highland Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) to deliver community-based interventions alongside essential, third-sector partners, working in the Inverness and Lochaber localities. Katy Duncan is the new Youth Participation and Engagement Worker and has written a blog to tell us more about the project.
Highland Biodiversity Conference- save the date
Back for 2026, The conference is being organised by Caroline Vawdrey from the Highland Environment Forum, Imogen Furlong from High Life Highland and Andrew Puls from Highland Council and they are keen that the conference showcases some of the dedicated work for nature being undertaken by groups around the Highlands, and by many hardworking volunteers. Booking information will be launching soon on the Highland Envirnonment Forum Website
Celebrating the Highland Climate Charter!
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.
Scroll on to find out about events happening all across Highland…..
Highlife Countryside Rangers November Events and Winter Talks!
Find out what ranger events are happening near you by visiting the Highlife Highland Countryside Ranger Eventbrite page!
Funding
The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Latest Funding Finder
SSE Renewables’ Sustainable Development Fund
SSE Renewables created the Sustainable Development Fund as part of its voluntary community benefit arrangements from its onshore renewable energy developments in the Highland region, primarily the Stronelairg, Bhlaraidh, Dunmaglass, and Strathy NorthWind Farms. In this round the fund is worth a total of £1 million. You can apply for funding from £30,000 up to a maximum of the fund’s total value. The fund is open to applications from not-for-profit groups, and the project must benefit communities that lie wholly within the Highland local authority area.
HITRANS People and Place Programme Expression of Interest Form
Local Delivery Partners: Please use the attached form to submit an Expression of
Interest to becoming a local delivery partner within the HITRANS People and
Place Programme. Before completing this form, please read the accompanying
guidance document. When complete, please email this form to [email protected] by the closing date of 5pm on Friday 9th January
2026. To help gather feedback on your submission, HITRANS may share it with
relevant local authorities, if you do not wish for them to do this, please indicate as
such when you submit your EoI.
Training
Lunch 'n' Learn - Nature Prescriptions with NHS Highland
Join us on teams!
Join us for an informal session introducing the Highland Nature Prescription
An RSPB Nature Prescription is a guided conversation between a health or social care professional and their client to encourage and support them to connect with the natural world to benefit their mental and physical wellbeing.
We will share some of the evidence backing the promotion of nature connection as a health and wellbeing tool and share information on how to access and use the resource. We will also discuss who may benefit most from such a resource the scenarios where it can be used for most benefit.
More information can be found here:
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 month! Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy checking out all of the resources and events provided and will be back with a new update next month.
If you have something you’d like shared in our next newsletter, please send it to [email protected] by 8th January 2026.
Our mailing address is:Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BWWant to change how you receive these emails?You can unsubscribe
