A collaboration informed by University of Northampton insights, features as a national example of how to help people get the most out of the great outdoors.
Members of Northampton’s Active Quarter – green, blue, and grey spaces in central Northampton that support healthy, active lifestyles – have been combining forces to help more people access and enjoy outdoor spaces.
This work is also part of a wider national movement led by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), a charity that supports opportunities to spend time in nature.
This year, the University and Delapré Abbey were invited to share insights from this journey to inform and inspire others at a webinar hosted by NASP.
University research – led by Associate Professor Dr Declan Ryan – has informed what happened each step of the way and has had a big and lasting impact:
- Footpath sensors and smartphone data show which parts of the park people used the most.
- When the data showed that muddy or uneven paths put people off in wet weather, it gave West Northamptonshire Council evidence to secure funding for 1,300 metres of upgraded pathways.
- Over 1,500 people have taken part in programmes; more than 1.2 million visits to Delapré Park were recorded between 2022 and 2024.
- The evidence gathered by the University has helped Delapré Abbey secure more than £5m of funding.
- Since 2020, the number of visitors to the Abbey that live within three miles of the park has risen from 75.1% to 84%.
Now, these successes are shared in NASP’s collection of national, leading examples of green social prescribing.
Leading on the data analysis and evaluation design was Associate Professor in Physical Activity & Health, Dr Declan Ryan, who said: “It’s great news to see this project feature as a case study by the National Academy for Social Prescribing. This reflects the importance of the findings, but also the work of multiple teams who have one interest at heart, that as many people as possible enjoy the green spaces in town.
“A key focus for the University is to support people from underrepresented groups to have better access to public spaces, services, research participation, and education. Our efforts continue to be guided by local needs in Northamptonshire, nationally and beyond, so please get in touch to help us understand what is important to you.”
Watch the webinar to hear about each phase of this social prescribing journey.
Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.