Harnessing nature-based solutions towards public health benefits in Luton: A qualitative study of professional stakeholder perceptions.

Background: 

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions inspired and supported by nature to address significant global challenges, including public health priorities. An extensive body of research highlights the positive links between nature and human health. We addressed two gaps; first we aimed to understand the potential public health benefits of both place and activity-focused NbS in a relatively deprived, superdiverse setting, and second, we explored professional perceptions across the public health-greenspace spectrum, informing innovative transdisciplinary policy and practice.

Methods: In this qualitative investigation, 16 professional stakeholders in diverse roles across public health and greenspace policy and practice in Luton were purposively recruited for semi-structured interviews conducted between 23^rd June and 11^th July 2025. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed then analysed by reflexive thematic analysis. All participants gave written consent. The study was approved by the University of Sheffield Research Ethics Committee.

Results: Four main themes emerged, (with multiple sub-themes): (1) Unmet need and ‘at risk’ groups; (2) Thriving in nature (successful place and activity-focused NBS, aesthetics and care, and increasing ethnic diversity in nature); (3) Barriers (migration background, local deprivation, fear and perceived safety; negative image); (4) Enablers of thriving (partnerships, co-creation and individual agency.) Green social prescribing, funding and COVID, were recognised as both barriers and enablers.

Conclusions: Co-creation and partnership working had key roles in enabling successful place and activity-focused NbS delivering significant public health benefits in Luton. Increasing ethnic diversity in nature highlights how consultation and co-creation with local communities can break down barriers to accessing NbS. Insights are provided into the barriers associated with green social prescribing in a deprived, diverse setting. Innovative enablers including a triage and buddy system are proposed towards delivering a successful green social prescribing programme.  These findings are significant for Luton and local authorities seeking to address public health priorities through NbS in other deprived, diverse settings.