How more working forests could reduce hospital waiting times
If the Forestry Commission had just one per cent of the NHS’s budget, there would be a lot less people in hospital waiting rooms.
That is the view of forester Doug Stanley, aged 59, who has worked upon Cannock Chase for 41 years.
He believes working in a forest – being blessed with clean air and tranquil settings – has benefited his health greatly.
And he says if the Government invested more money in working forests, like Cannock Chase, more people could enjoy the healing properties of nature.
“I have worked here for 41 years and I would do it all again,” said Mr Stanley.
“I’m nearly 60, but people say I don’t look my age. I think it is from all the years working here. If we could get just one per cent of the NHS budget [to plant more trees and maintain forests], there would be lower waiting times in hospitals.
“Nature and the outdoors is one of the best medicines you can have.”
Demand
His argument is that forests could provide the answer to an ever increasing demand on NHS services.
Just 10 miles away from Cannock Chase lies the sprawling conurbation of the Black Country, filled with fumes, cars and overcrowded places.
