Forest of Avon Secures £15k Grant to Enhance Cardiac Recovery Through Woodland Wellbeing

The Forest of Avon, one of England’s 15 community forests, has been awarded a £15,000 grant from The Health Lottery Foundation to support a woodland wellbeing initiative aimed at helping cardiac patients reconnect with nature during their recovery.

This funding will benefit individuals undergoing cardiac rehabilitation through North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Trust. Serving Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, the Forest of Avon helps those who encounter barriers accessing natural spaces by delivering tailored wellbeing programmes.

Since 2011, its Health and Wellbeing Programme has reached over 1,500 people, offering support to individuals affected by dementia, mental health conditions, and more recently, heart-related illnesses. Research from the British Heart Foundation highlights the emotional toll on those with heart and circulatory diseases, with 58% reporting feelings of sadness or depression and 59% experiencing anxiety or fear about their future.

Martin Ellice, Chief Executive of The Health Lottery, expressed strong support: “This project perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance wellbeing while preserving the natural environment. By playing The Health Lottery, players contribute to impactful community health projects like this one, helping people and nature thrive.”

Thanks to contributions from Health Lottery players, over £134 million has been raised for health causes across the UK. The new grant will enable the Forest of Avon to maintain local woodlands and deliver nature-based activities that promote both mental and physical health. Participants will enjoy spending time outdoors, acquiring woodland management skills, and experiencing the restorative benefits of nature.