Mental health difficulties, including depression, are highly prevalent and associated with high levels of disability worldwide. The associated economic costs are large, approximately GBP 118 billion per year in the UK alone. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals in need of treatment receive none and traditional treatment approaches to mental health alone may be insufficient. Novel approaches to improving mental wellbeing include increasing contact and connection to natural environments, and the extant evidence suggests that nature-based approaches may reduce stress and improve mood and mental wellbeing. Our UK-based research group (Research grOup for Wellbeing and Nature; ROWAN; rowantree.uk) has carried out a number of research studies investigating the link between natural environments and wellbeing, including studies on nature-based interventions (NBI). We are developing a short self-guided NBI (Roots and Shoots©), which in pilot work has shown to be feasible and acceptable to participants. Furthermore, in a pilot randomised controlled trial, we have demonstrated that the Roots and Shoots intervention is likely to be effective in improving mental wellbeing in those with poor mental wellbeing. Future research is planned to investigate the efficacy of this novel NBI in a larger, fully powered clinical trial. In addition, we are testing a guided 8-week version of the intervention (Roots and Shoots Plus ©), designed for individuals with mental health difficulties. This iteration is comprised of both self-led activities and facilitator-led group psycho-social elements in nature. Preliminary findings on these novel approaches will be presented and future directions will be discussed.