Nature-based interventions for health and wellbeing

Co-developing interventions that maximise the health benefits of nature
Touching a mossy tree

Nature-based interventions for health and wellbeing

Co-developing interventions that maximise the health benefits of nature
Title: Nature-Based Interventions for Health and Wellbeing 
Funding amount: £300,000
Location: UK
Dates: 2023–ongoing
Project partners: University of Exeter, Heriot-Watt University, Natural England, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Institute of Mental Health
University of Plymouth PI: Professor Kayleigh Wyles 
 

Overview

Drawing on expertise from environmental psychology, pain, clinical practice, ecosystem services and natural capital, and working with environment-focused or health-based practitioners, this work examines how nature can be used for the general public, as well as specific clinical populations, to improve their health and wellbeing.

Objectives

  1. Understand how and why nature has impacts on people's health and wellbeing
  2. Co-develop nature-based interventions that maximise these benefits.

Spending time outside, watching the birds, and paddling in the sea has known benefits to our health and wellbeing. Here at Plymouth, we want to know how and why.

We are working across disciplines and sectors to help us use the natural world in the optimum way to improve our health.

Kayleigh WylesProfessor Kayleigh Wyles
Professor of Environmental Psychology

 
 
 

Context of the issue

With an ever-growing urbanised world, people are spending less time in nature and simultaneously more and more people are experiencing poor physical and mental health. For example, an NHS survey found that 20% the adult population of England experiences a common mental health problem in any given week.

How the project addresses the issue

Nature-based interventions can connect people to the natural world in a way that improves their mental and/or physical health. This can be through interventions that encourage greater visits or engagements (e.g., making the coast more accessible and building outdoor gyms), or it can be prescribed structured activities for specific clinical populations.

Some of the questions we are asking include:

  • BWhat are the core features that promote health and wellbeing at the coast?

  • BHow can a co-designed virtual reality experience of a coast help those living with chronic low back pain?

  • BHow do people living with dementia use nature to improve their quality of life?

  • BWhat is it about ecotherapy that helps individuals?

  • BHow can surf therapy help young people and their families?

 
 
 

Centre for Marine Biology and Conservation Science (CMACS)

CMACS unites the University of Plymouth's long-standing and internationally recognised research in marine biology and marine conservation science. 
By providing an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for knowledge exchange and relationship development, CMACS drives ambitious, innovative, interdisciplinary, world-class marine research.
 
Man fishing in small boat above coral reef, CMACS