During 18 months of medical treatment at Southmead Hospital, Ellen Devine discovered the healing power of nature. Facing multiple surgeries, Ellen found peace in small, everyday moments around the hospital grounds, whether in the bright flowers, raindrops on leaves, or the gentle presence of trees in the hospital atrium. “Nature taught me to focus on small things when I felt overwhelmed and reminded me that beauty can be found even in the hardest times,” Ellen shared.
The hospital’s gardens, wildflower meadows, and green spaces became a refuge for Ellen, offering calm and perspective during her recovery. She said, these spaces symbolised hope: “The meadows reminded me that growth and renewal are possible, even after hard winters.”
North Bristol NHS Trust’s Sustainability Team encourage staff and patients to use green spaces at Southmead Hospital and share Ellen’s passion for nature’s role in healing. “Our green spaces are not just for wildlife; they’re essential for people too, seeing how these areas have helped patients like Ellen shows their importance in creating peace, reflection, and recovery” said Georgia Crum, Sustainability Engagement Officer at North Bristol NHS Trust.
Now back at work with Forestry England, Ellen continues to reflect on the lesson's nature taught her during difficult times. She hopes others will see the value in connecting with nature, even when life feels overwhelming. Her experience highlights how natural spaces in hospitals can provide strength, comfort, and resilience to patients.
Read more of Ellen’s experience in her blog on the NHS Forest website https://nhsforest.org/blog/lessons-from-healing-in-nature-a-patients-view/