A Dose of Nature

On arrival at Dr. Greens clinic, patients are triaged within the A&E (Awe and Excitement) Department. Typically an Emergency Dose of Nature is required. Once administered, this treatment will invariably make patients smile, then titter which invariably gives way to chuckling. A few seconds later, a full-on belly-laugh usually occurs.

Soon after, the treatment phase begins where patients receive their 'Dose of Nature' which takes the form of a range of fun, immersive, interactive, hands-on activities - all of which intimately connect patients with the nature and wildlife in their immediate surroundings, whether that be in an urban or rural setting.

The prescribed treatments require patients to use all their senses, so they start to view nature from different perspectives, smell it, listen to it and of course feel it not only via their hands but importantly via their heart too. To administer these bespoke treatments, Dr. Green uses a range of scientific equipment including telescopes, binoculars and botanic magnifiers alongside more rudimentary tools such as a hoover pipe and a dustbin lid!

Once Dr. Green decides that the worst symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder have passed and the immediate Dose of Nature is completed, she will give each patient a written ‘prescription’ of nature-related activities that can be redeemed in their garden and/or local green open space.

Finally, the Dr. stresses how important it is for patients to continue to spend time in green and blue spaces and to expand of some of the treatment (activities) they most enjoyed.

A Dose of Nature is an interactive clown routine which can be either a static or walkabout show. It’s content is deeply rooted in the growing body of scientific evidence that shows the wide-ranging positive benefits to our physical, mental and emotional well-being. So much so, that G.P's are similarly using 'Green Prescribing' for a range of medical conditions.

The show also draws on Teresa's academic background and knowledge of Ecology and Environmental Sciences plus over 30 years working in the conservation sector with large charities including The Wildlife Trust and RSPB.