Valuing embedding time for nature: Why, how, and what next!" (online event)

Feeling connected to nature is related to a number of benefits, but not everyone has access to nature or values nature. This workshop explores how we can impact others' nature connectedness by building opportunities to connect with nature in everyday environments, like school grounds, community centres, etc.

Join us to explore the power of connecting to nature and provide the young people you work with the tools to feel good, function well and protect the natural world. Learn how lead sessions to improve wellbeing, reduce anxiety and empower young people to take positive action for themselves and the natural world.

There is a growing interest in understanding the wider benefits of spending time outdoors engaging with nature. Social nature prescribing is discussed frequently as a way to support people experiencing mental health difficulties and who are not able to access services, as well as for preventative care. Researchers have found that in the UK around 18% of children 7-16 years old have a probable mental health disorder.

The online participatory workshop (1 hour) is designed to provide: 1) shared knowledge and understanding arising from the research evidence and in-person sessions; 2) practical examples for how could embed nature connectedness into programmes and practices with discussion of barriers to success; 3) an opportunity to refine the call to action.

What will this participatory workshop involve?

Join us for a 1-hour participatory online workshop. Within the workshop we will:

1. Showcase discussion points from the in-person event, including the why and how of nature connection (10 minutes).
2. Provide practical advice on how to facilitate young people to connect with nature (10 minutes).
3. Discussion with attendees about their experience in getting young people to engage with nature (15 minutes).
4. Work with attendees to refine and shape the call to action (15 minutes).

Together with attendees we will explore national challenges that those working with young people experience in promoting and providing access to nature engagement and how we can work together to address these challenges.

This workshop was co-designed to bring together individuals who are working with young people and are interested in how we can develop spaces to enhance nature connection as part of a collaboration between Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, as part of a collaboration between Royal Holloway University of London, Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, and the University of Sussex, and the University of Sussex.

If you have any questions about this workshop please email: echoo-lab@rhul.ac.uk

Workshop Lead: Prof Dawn Watling (Professor of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London)

Workshop Co-Leads: Julie Whelan (Learning and Development Manager at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst) and Dr Karis Jade Petty (Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Sussex)

This event will be particularly of interest to professionals and volunteers working with young people, including:

• Headteachers, SENCo, Pastoral Leads, Science Leads, School Inclusion/Attendance leads
• Teams within County Councils, Boroughs and District Councils
• Health including Mindworks, Primary and Secondary Care, CFHS
• Social Care, Safeguarding, Early Help and Police
• Charities and Community Groups
• Parks and Heritage staff
• Academics and researchers