A new collaboration
A new collaboration between The Human Nature Partnership, University of Brighton and Culture Shift has been bringing nature engagement to the NHS. Recent ‘Wilding Workshops’ have been inspired by the book ‘Being in Nature’ by James Farrell and Lee Evans from The Human Nature Partnership / Nature Connection Books – and the award winning work at Grangemead Community Garden.
Wildling workshop
Nick Gant from the University design team created tactile prompt cards using images and words from the book, and others inspired by nature. Interactive workshops facilitated by Culture Shift CEO Julia Roberts helped staff from a range of NHS functions explore their own relationship with nature, and begin to envision outdoor spaces at NHS sites that benefited staff, patients, community and wildlife.
Staff also spent time outside in a brief ‘nature connection’ session led by James Farrell – and reported increased feelings of closeness, calm and peacefulness, and positive memories of being in nature as children. This ‘self coach’ is a feature of the ‘Being in Nature’ book.
The vast majority of NHS staff surveyed by The Human Nature Partnership said they wanted to see more natural spaces at work, including wildflowers, birds and sheltered spaces to rest and collaborate outdoors. 75% of staff wanted to learn more about how to incorporate nature into their work.
Designing with nature in mind
Build nature connection into every stage of the process. We had tactile nature prompt cards, and time outdoors to explore the sites and talk.
Make it personal. We spent time outside alone reflecting on what we noticed – the wind in the leaves, or a memory of exploring wild places as children
Collaborate. In the room we had theatre, arts and health leaders, designers, environmentalists, estates and sustainability, nursing, community volunteer connectors and occupational health practitioners. No-one can do this by themselves.
Listen. This is about inclusion – everyone having a say in order to create change by and with the people who benefit. We had a ‘cool wall’ by the end of the day, chock full of prioritised ideas for improving outdoor spaces.
Be compassionate. In a mental health trust the priority is on human health and wellbeing. And recognising that nature needs a voice in the room – and we want a mutual, reciprocal relationship rather than than another kind of exploitative one.
Big thanks to Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust for the vision and commitment – and their consistently wonderful staff. Will keep you posted as the project develops!
