Trees planted at Bradford hospital to boost patients' mental health

Hundreds of trees have been planted at a West Yorkshire mental health facility so patients can enjoy "green therapy".

The trees were planted at Lynfield Mount Hospital in Bradford on Wednesday in an area also set to feature a wildflower meadow.

Green therapy can be "particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing", according to the NHS.

A hospital spokesperson said they hoped to "test the benefits of connecting patients with nature".

The project is a collaboration between Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust and Natural England, with plans also in place to introduce vegetable and flower planters and bird boxes in the summer months.

Senior Occupational Health Therapist, Tracy Metcalf, said she was a strong advocate for green therapy following her work with male patients on the hospital's Maplebeck Ward.

She said that for one young man getting involved in growing and harvesting vegetables in the hospital's allotment had helped reduce paranoid thoughts and provided "meaningful engagement".

The patient "loved being outdoors" and went on to continue gardening after being discharged.

Another patient struggled with the symptoms of schizophrenia but found outdoor activity made a noticeable reduction to hearing voices, Ms Metcalf said.

Therese Patten, the Trust's chief executive, added: "We know from smaller projects that patients feel calmer when they're involved in nature-based activities, and their feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

"It's exciting to be scaling this up and we're hugely grateful to Natural England for their support, and to NHS Forest who donated the trees."