Shownotes
Summary
In this episode, Andrew speaks with Dr William Bird MBE, GP, health innovator, and the creator of Health Walks, the Green Gym, and Beat the Street. They explore how true health is built through belonging, safety, and feeling valued, and why community connection and a sense of place matter more than ticking boxes on exercise guidelines.
William shares his journey from pioneering social prescribing in the 1990s to leading large-scale programmes that change how towns think about health. The conversation covers the science behind stress and motivation, the pitfalls of infrastructure without engagement, and the practical steps that help people not just be more active, but live better lives.
Main themes:
Why physical activity is the outcome of a connected, hopeful community, not just a prescription.
The early days of Health Walks and the Green Gym and what they taught about behaviour change.
How chronic stress rewires the brain, suppresses motivation to move, and shapes perceptions of safety.
The importance of place, heritage, and local identity in health creation.
Why “build it and they will come” often fails without community activation.
The Health Creation Matrix: measuring safety, belonging, and feeling valued across people, place, and purpose.
Beat the Street as a catalyst for change, and what communities do after the game ends.
Supporting older adults to stay active safely and confidently.
Links
Cormac Russell – Asset-Based Community Development Also see previous episode of Playful Nature with Cormac Russell.
Music by @Me for Queen