Green Space

The Derriford Community Park map

 

Evidence shows  that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits our physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health.

According to the mental health charity mind, spending regular time in nature can:

• improve your mood
• reduce feelings of stress or anger
• help you take time out and feel more relaxed
• improve your physical health
• improve your confidence and self-esteem
• help you be more active
• help you meet and get to know new people
• connect you to your local community
• reduce loneliness
• help you feel more connected to nature
• provide peer support .

  

The creation of greenspace provides “an easy way to encourage people inside healthcare organisations to look outside their windows and begin to connect to their immediate environment, leading on to an understanding of, and engaging with, wider environmental issues, in particular climate change. Planting trees and making healthcare organisations greener, physically nicer places can save money. Not only are maintenance costs often reduced, but staff morale is improved, patients recover more quickly and are therefore using fewer resources. In the longer term, communities who have better access to greenspace stay physically and mentally healthier.” – The NHS Forest Project.

 

In 2023, the UHP Green Plan was published, outlining a clear target of 10% biodiversity net gain by 2030. 

The Trust has made plans to reach this target, some of which are explained below:

• The Trust continues to work with local organisations such as Pollenize and Natural England to gain advice on how best to manage the site.
• Ecological surveys have been commissioned to establish our existing biodiversity score
• A reduced mowing timetable has been implemented to encourage native wildflower species and their pollinators
• Bug hotels were purchased and deer guards erected around the new trees in the orchard
• Invasive species common on the Derriford site such as Laurel, Buddleia and Bramble will be regularly trimmed to limit growth and prevent these invasive species dominating
• A new green space known as the Garden of Life will be finished by the end of 2024