Tag Archives: Health and wellbeing
Defra Evidence Statement on the links between natural environments and human health
Working with Dr Simon Maxwell of the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs‘s Environment Analysis Unit, we have co-authored a comprehensive Evidence Statement on the links between natural environments and human health. The aim of the evidence statement is to inform Defra’s policies and service delivery. You can download a copy of the full […]
‘What Works’ in nature based health interventions
In March we published a review of the linkages between natural environments and health outcomes with Defra. You can download a copy of the full Evidence Statement on the links between natural environments and human health or a set of summary slides. We found that we now have a relatively robust body of evidence which […]
Marine wildlife as an important component of coastal visits: The role of perceived biodiversity and species behaviour
Members of the Beyond Greenspace team have collaborated with the RSPB to examine whether marine wildlife is an important component of the wellbeing benefits of visits to the coast. The results of the study were published earlier this month in the journal Marine Policy. Our colleague Rebecca Jefferson from the RSPB has written a great […]
Sensing Nature: exploring visual impairment in the natural environment
In November 2016, ECEHH Researcher, Dr Sarah Bell, started a new two-year ESRC-funded project exploring the diverse sensory and emotional experiences people have in nature, focusing on individuals living with visual impairment. Approximately 285 million people are thought to live with sight loss and blindness across the world – a number that is increasing as […]
Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change conference
More sessions have been added to the Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change conference so the call for papers and posters has been extended! We are going to be there chairing the ‘Biodiversity or green space? Evidence for contribution to health in a changing climate’ session! Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, 28 February 2017 (abstract submission […]
World Health Organisation Urban Green Spaces and Health report
Ben Wheeler has worked with Mike Depledge and colleagues from around Europe to co-author an important new report, for World Health Organisation (Europe), on the beneficial effects of urban green space for health. The report can be downloaded here. The comprehensive report summarises the existing evidence of linkages (both positive and negative) between urban green […]
A systematic review of attention restoration theory
Heather Ohly and Ruth Garside, working with colleagues at Exeter and elsewhere, have undertaken a systematic review of evidence for the relative attention restoration potential of natural settings compared to other settings. ‘Attention Restoration Theory’ (ART) is used to explain some of the apparent benefits of exposure to natural environments. In the paper Heather […]
Recreational physical activity in natural environments and implications for health: A population based cross-sectional study in England
ECEHH colleagues Mat White and Lewis Elliott have published new research which details an analysis of recreational physical activity undertaken in England’s natural environments. The authors used Natural England’s Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment data set and found that: A considerable total amount of physical activity takes place in natural environments Over 8 […]
Natural England evidence summaries
Becca has been working with Natural England to produce a series of evidence briefings on the relationships between the natural environment and a range of outcomes. The notes are aimed at and intended to inform policy makers, practitioners, practice enablers (such as Natural England, Natural Resources Wales etc.), local decision makers, and the wider research […]
Social prescribing review: nature based interventions for mild to moderate depression
Researchers from ECEHH and the wider Universities of Exeter and Plymouth are undertaking a review of evidence of the most effective approaches to social prescribing, focusing on nature based interventions for mild to moderate depression. Social prescribing is a means of enabling primary care services to refer patients with social, emotional or practical needs to […]