Science in the Wild

What does nature have to do with smartphones?

And did you know that listening to birdsong can have a lasting impact on your mental health?

Join us at the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve in London for a two-part interactive event that brings science to life. Together we will explore how everyday encounters with trees, green spaces and birdsong can support wellbeing — and how smartphones are helping researchers uncover these links in real time.

This is your chance to become a citizen scientist: by taking part in the NatureBoost study, you’ll use your phone to log simple activities in nature, share your discoveries, and see how your own experiences contribute directly to scientific research.

Who we are

This event is run by the NatureBoost research team from King's College London and our partners at the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve. It is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025.

What to expect

This is a two-part event. You are welcome to attend either one or both.

Event 1: Saturday, 18th October 2025, 2-4pm

• Chat with the research team and learn how smartphone apps help us study the impact of nature on mental health

• Discover surprising findings from our research on the benefits of nature, including the powerful effect of birdsong

• Be invited to download the Citizen Scientist app and explore the NatureBoost study (participation is completely voluntary and anonymous)

• Join a guided ecology walk around the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve and discover the variety of projects run at this site, such as a medicinal garden or mushroom farm

• Take part in hands-on nature activities and share your reflections with the group

Event 2: Saturday, 8th November 2025, 2-4pm

• See the results come to life: explore how the anonymous contributions from participants who used the app between Events 1 and 2 have been transformed into real scientific insights (including photos, sounds, and reflections captured along the way)
• Join the conversation with researchers and fellow participants about the findings, the experience of using the app, and the bigger question of how urban nature shapes wellbeing.
• If you missed Event 1, don't worry: the guided walks, expert talks, and hands-on activities will all be repeated, so you can dive right in and take part.

Why join?

You won't just observe science – you'll be part of it.

By taking part in NatureBoost, you will contribute to a growing body of research on how urban nature influences wellbeing. This research helps scientists and policymakers understand why access to green spaces matters in cities like London, and how small everyday experiences – from hearing birdsong to noticing trees on your commute – can support mental health.

You'll leave with new ways to connect with the natural world, along with the knowledge that your involvement is helping design healthier cities for the future.

And yes – tea, coffee, and snacks are also included.

Event summary

• Dates: 18th October 2025 & 8th November 2025

• Time: 2-4pm

• Location: Bethnal Green Nature Reserve, London

• Accessibility: The site is step-free and wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible compost toilet and baby changing facilities. Further information on accessibility is provided on the website (https://bethnalgreennaturereserve.org/visit-us). For questions about accessibility, please get in touch.

• Activities: Hands-on nature activities, guided ecology walks, expert talks

The events are open to all. Families are welcome.

Find out more about the project: www.natureboostproject.com

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 and is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Find out more about the ESRC Festival of Social Science: www.festivalofsocialscience.com