Health and the natural environment: A review of evidence, policy, practice and opportunities for the future

Abstract

This report details the outcomes of the Natural Environment and Health Fellowship, a partnership between Defra and the University of Exeter Medical School’s (UEMS) European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH). The work focused on the interconnections between the natural environment and good health (it does not consider environmental risks or stressors), and the ways in which these are, or could be harnessed in policy and practice. The majority of the work was undertaken in 2015-2016, prior to a number of significant developments such as the EU referendum and the publication of the 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment. The research informed development of the 25 Year Plan and can inform the delivery of both the health themes of the 25 Year Plan and the development of environmental policy after leaving the European Union.