William Bird

Dr William Bird MBE has 30 years’ experience in physical activity and health. He is the founder of Walking for Health (part of Macmillan Cancer) the Green Gym (part of BTCV), the Blue Gym (part of Peninsula Medical School) and Health Forecasting (part of the Met Office). Author of several research papers which have influenced current thinking on the benefits of outdoor physical activity including Natural Thinking: investigating links between the natural environment, biodiversity and mental health and Natural Fit: how nature improves your fitness and reduces stress. His book, Walking for Health has been translated into three languages. William currently advises the UK Government through the Department of Health and DEFRA on the financial and health benefits of exercising in the natural environment. He trained in medicine at Royal London and practiced as a full time GP for 10 years. He currently undertakes 18 hours per week as a GP with an Out-Of-Hours provider in Berkshire. He was awarded the MBE in 2010 for services to physical activity and health. He is regularly asked to give keynote addresses at major international conferences around the world.