Health, wellbeing and equalities

The health and wellbeing benefits of nature are well known. In our most recent resident and worker survey, 82% of respondents said that living in the National Park was good for their mental health and 89% said it was good for their physical health. However, we also recognise that not everyone has the same opportunities to access nature on their doorstep. 

From the UK's first Outdoor Dementia Resource Centre at Badaguish - helping people living with dementia and their families connect with nature - to prescribing nature on the NHS and coordinating a programme of health walks across the National Park, there is a huge amount of work going on to ensure that people and nature thrive together. 

Likewise, our dedicated Equality Advisory Panel and widening participation work through Cairngorms 2030 are helping remove some of the barriers that exist to under-represented communities enjoying and benefiting from the National Park. 

The Park Authority and its partners are taking forward a number of health, wellbeing and equality activities within the National Park, some of which are summarised below.