Head for the hills

IT IS a sad fact that Scotland has more health problems than are tolerable in a developed society. So it is encouraging to find a health strategy being proposed that seeks to capitalise on our matchless natural resources and turn them into an instrument of well-being.

"Green prescription" is the term used by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to describe the use of moderate physical activity in the "Great Outdoors" to alleviate problems ranging from mental health to obesity. We all know that walking is good for you – we get that message – but at a conference tomorrow, SNH will urge doctors to "prescribe" different outdoor activity as a form of medication. The wisdom of this approach is self-evident.

For generations Scots have been aware of the valuable resource represented by our vast rural landscape. The double-edged compliment traditionally paid to Glasgow is: "It's so easy to get out of." Given the glorious great outdoors that we have we should be one of the healthiest nations on the planet. Sadly we do not make enough of it, and this is a way that can gently change that.

"Green prescription" does not demand the frenetic energy expended in the gym, which many find off-putting, but the moderate effort that accompanies some woodland activity helping the environment, or even just a spot of vegetable and fruit growing – which gives a further benefit in encouraging healthier eating. Clearly, it makes sense to head for the hills.