Increasing biodiversity and staff connection to nature within University Hospitals Morecambe Bay Foundation NHS Trust

Grassland areas have been improved through:

• Wildflower plug planting (with plants donated by Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape)
• Seed application
• Removal of summer grass growth through raking
• Implementation of a ‘no mow’ approach across designated areas

Tree planting has also been a key focus. A total of 500 trees have been planted and maintained across two sites through the NHS Forest scheme, with a further 250 trees planned for planting in Lancaster.

A range of wildlife habitats have been introduced, including:

• Bird boxes
• Bat boxes
• A hedgehog house

Some of these were created by estates staff as part of a wellbeing day, while others were produced by members of the Well Communities. Volunteers also created bee hotels during a volunteer day at Westmorland Hospital. In addition, swift nesting boxes have been made and will be installed at Westmorland General Hospital in line with guidance from the Kendal Swift Group.

The project has also involved collaborative engagement activities. Working with Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity, a ‘no mow’ sign competition was delivered, inviting children and young people to design signage promoting biodiversity areas. Participants included children from hospital wards, as well as local scout and guide groups. Winning designs have been produced as signs and are being installed across the hospital sites.

At Furness General Hospital, a nature reserve is being developed on land adjacent to the site. This area includes species-rich meadow, scrub and rough grassland habitats that support a wide range of wildlife. A footpath has been created to encourage staff, patients, visitors and local residents to access the space and engage with nature.

Partnership working has supported the promotion and use of the reserve, encouraging people to use the space to support their health and wellbeing. The project has also been promoted through onsite engagement events, helping to raise awareness among staff and stakeholders.

Looking ahead, a digital nature recording initiative using iNaturalist is planned, enabling staff to record and share the wildlife they see across hospital grounds and further strengthen their connection to nature.

Project partners

• University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT)
• One Lancashire and South Cumbria Together
• Natural England
• The Well Communities
• Active Cumbria
• Morecambe Bay Hospitals Charity
• NHS Forest
• The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery project
• Lancaster City Council – Community Wings project
• Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape

How Natural England supported the project

Natural England has supported the project by:

• Organising and delivering volunteer days
• Connecting partners and coordinating collaboration across organisations
• Working closely with estates teams and charity partners
• Supporting promotion and communication activity
• Building and maintaining relationships with key partners, including local growing schemes

This support has been central to enabling delivery across all sites.

Project outcomes and lessons learned

• Biodiversity has increased across all hospital sites
• Awareness of the importance of hospital grounds for nature has been strengthened
• The work has been incorporated into the Trust’s Green Plan
• Relationships between NHS staff and partner organisations have been strengthened, supporting future activity

The project has highlighted the value of partnership working and structured volunteer activity in delivering environmental improvements at scale.

Impact

• Biodiversity improvements have been achieved across all hospital sites
• Five volunteer days have been delivered, supporting both staff engagement and community involvement
• Participation from staff across different areas has strengthened collaboration and shared learning