A compelling new documentary film is showcasing the transformative power of nature-based recovery programmes for people overcoming substance dependence and mental health challenges across Scotland.

The short film, Green Threads: Weaving Stories of Nature and Recovery, features participants from various nature-based activities throughout Scotland who share their journeys of healing, friendship and renewed purpose. The documentary provides powerful evidence of how outdoor programmes can support people dealing with substance use and poor mental health.

Created through a project led by the University of Stirling and funded by the Society for the Study of Addiction, the film premiered last week at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, with another screening taking place this week at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy.

Overcoming Agoraphobia Through Outdoor Activities

Among the most remarkable stories featured is that of Shona, who credits Venture Trust with helping her recover from 30 years of alcohol dependence and childhood-related trauma. Her journey is particularly notable given her agoraphobia, which left her housebound for three years.

“I spent three years not leaving the house. Some days it’s still hard, but I set myself a challenge that I have to be up, dressed and out of the house by 10 o’clock every day,” Shona explained. “In recovery they say to accept a higher power. Mine is Mother Nature because she’s available to me. I’m lucky that I have a beach at the bottom of my road and hills at the top.”

Shona now volunteers for Venture Trust, the organisation featured in the film that uses outdoor-based programmes to help people through trauma, poverty and mental health issues.

Friendship and Healing in the Outdoors

The documentary also highlights how nature-based recovery creates opportunities for meaningful connections. Shona met her best friend Jennifer through Venture Trust, where Jennifer is a year ahead in her recovery journey. Despite using different approaches to address their substance use and trauma, both women agree on the importance of getting outside, particularly for wild swimming and meditation.

Jennifer shared: “I accessed Venture Trust’s outdoor therapy, which helped me with the trauma of losing my ex-partner in addiction. I also deal with it through methods like acting and volunteering.”

Research-Backed Approach

The success stories presented in Green Threads are supported by research from the University of Stirling, which has evidenced why these types of programmes work effectively for poor mental health and substance dependence.

Dr Wendy Masterton, Senior Lecturer in Criminology and specialist in substance use at the University of Stirling, emphasised the significance of the findings: “Apart from the physical and social benefits of nature-based programmes, it is clear from our research that these activities bring feelings of purpose and a positive outlook for participants. It’s powerful to hear their stories on film, and we hope the documentary will be another stepping stone to establishing more nature-based initiatives and showing how effective they can be as an approach to substance use support.”

Building Momentum for Change

The film has been created as a resource to encourage more people onto nature-based recovery programmes and to demonstrate their effectiveness to healthcare professionals and strategic decision makers.

Screening events are being attended by programme participants, staff, friends and families, alongside academics, alcohol and drug partnership representatives, and NHS and third sector practitioners. The documentary will subsequently be shared widely with recovery networks, healthcare professionals and the Scottish Government.

The film screenings follow the launch last month of University of Stirling-developed manuals designed to help health and social care providers design and deliver nature-based programmes.

The documentary demonstrates that recovery pathways can take many forms, and for many people across Scotland, the healing power of nature is proving to be a vital component in rebuilding lives and finding hope.

Green Threads: Weaving Stories of Nature and Recovery can be viewed online, offering inspiration and practical insights for anyone interested in understanding how outdoor activities can support recovery journeys.

Source: University of Stirling