Outdoor learning and personal wellbeing

What’s on offer?

Come and join us for an interactive, hands-on, in-person event where we will explore how conducting creative activities outdoors can contribute to pro-environmental behaviours and a positive relationship with life-long learning and personal wellbeing.

Over the course of an hour, Dr Frances Harris - Reader in Education and Environment at the University of Hertfordshire - will encourage attendees to engage in a number of research-based, nature activities*, while discussing how they can stimulate greater connection to our environment, and - as a result - provide benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.

*Please dress appropriately for the weather

What’s it about?

The role of biodiversity, or natural capital, in supporting both physical and mental health issues and wellbeing has been well documented over the years. As a result, nature-based activities – such as organised walks, therapeutic horticulture, care farming and wilderness experiences - are being used to alleviate or improve a large number of healthcare concerns at all stages of life, including child and adolescent mental health, special educational needs, peri-natal care, depression, anxiety and stress, loneliness, obesity and cardiovascular problems.

In this session, we will engage with the natural environment through a number of creative activities, and reflect on how noticing, connecting and engaging impacts on wellbeing, to provide an introduction to this area of practice that can be explored further beyond the session.

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Frances Harris, Reader in Education and the Environment at the University of Hertfordshire

Open to

All

Of particular interest to

Education and Youth Work Practitioners, Outdoor Educators, Public Health professionals, Researchers/Practitioners, Green Prescribers, Policy Makers, general public

Event Booking details

Booking link will soon be available

Event booking deadline