What are we investigating?
We are exploring what it is about connecting with nature that makes a difference to our mental health, flourishing, and the environment.
By conducting studies in urban green spaces, such as parks and woodlands, we aim to understand how nature-based activities promote “E-Co-Flourishing” (Ecological-Collective-Flourishing).
How are we doing this?
This study uses an observational case study design (Yin 2018). We are inviting participants to take part in nature walks where they engage in specially designed activities intended to target hypothesised psychological and social mechanisms that drive positive relationships among humans, nature, mental health and flourishing. So far, we have conducted two pilot studies in September and October 2024, with two more happening in December 2024, in collaboration with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and our NeurOx Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG).
Who are we collaborating with?
We are collaborating continuously with the NeurOx YPAG to co-produce these pilot studies, ensuring the perspectives and needs of young people are reflected in our experimental design.
Additionally, we are engaging with key partners, including Wytham Woods, Oxford Botanic Garden, and the broader Oxford University Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) network, both as study sites and as contributors to the design of the activities for our “E-Co-Flo” walks.
Moving forward, we will engage with diverse populations, including children with special learning needs and ethnically diverse communities.
What research tools are we using?
We are using a mix of digital tools and hands-on methods, including drawing and writing to collect data. One key tool is a research app called m-Path, which lets participants share their experiences in real-time. This helps us to obtain momentary information from participants in the field, thereby minimising the risk of inaccuracies associated with retrospective accounts of the walk experience.
We will continue to conduct pilot studies to investigate how different psychological, social and environmental mechanisms can promote E-Co-Flourishing. By collaborating with diverse community groups, we aim to understand how these nature-based activities can be adapted and applied across various sites, locations, and cultural contexts.
Why is this work important? What applications can it have?
This work is shaping our understanding of E-Co-Flourishing and the key mechanisms that drive it.
Identifying these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions and programmes that can enhance mental health and well-being while simultaneously fostering stronger connections between humans and the natural environment, benefiting both people and the planet
What are the key takeaways from our first pilot studies?
Co-production with the NeurOx YPAG has significantly shaped our study design. Using an iterative design approach, we continuously refine and adapt the study based on input and experiences. For example, following feedback from our first pilot study, we added play as a key mechanism to explore.
During the second pilot, we discovered that temporarily removing one sensory experience, such as blindfolding, can heighten other senses and, upon removing the blindfold, attention to visual perception was enhanced, allowing participants to notice details they had not seen or consciously engaged with before.
Key Researchers:
Dr Katrin Wilhelm, OH BRC Flourishing and Wellbeing Theme
Sasha Menon, OH BRC Flourishing and Wellbeing Theme
Charlotte Austin, OH BRC Flourishing and Wellbeing Theme
Joe Boyle, School of Geography and the Environment
NeurOx YPAG Participants
