Nature and Wellbeing Symposium
Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities
What do we mean when we talk about ‘nature’ and ‘wellbeing’? How do our understandings of these terms influence our perceptions of the relationship between flourishing ecosystems and human health, and how have nature and wellbeing relations changed historically? This event will investigate the meaning of ‘nature’ and ‘wellbeing’ in different cultural, environmental, therapeutic, and research contexts. Expert speakers will share their experiences and expertise, identifying shared values and points of difference. The event will showcase the perspectives of practitioners involved in innovative and sustainable approaches to care, academics working in cultural, scientific and educational fields, and representatives of wellbeing initiatives and community groups. There will also be guided walks and activities and many opportunities to contribute to the discussion.
Organised by Dr Samantha Walton, Bath Spa University with the support of IASH and funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. To find out more about Cultures of Nature and Wellbeing and to view speaker biographies, visit: https://culturenaturewellbeing.wordpress.com/events.
If you have any questions, please contact the organiser Dr Samantha Walton at s.walton@bathspa.ac.uk
Symposium Timetable
9.50am
Meet at Pollockhalls reception
10.00 - 12.00
Slow Walk, Holyrood Park
Pam Candea, Natural Change
Return to Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, Hope Park Square, EH8 9NW
12.30-13.00
Lunch
13.00-13.20
Introduction Dr Samantha Walton, Bath Spa University
Definitions ‘Nature’ and ‘Wellbeing’
13.20-14.10
Talk
‘Therapeutic Landscapes: Designing nature to create healthy spaces in Britain, 1700-1948’. Dr Clare Hickman, Lecturer in History, The University of Chester
This talk will explore the long history of designing and utilising nature in order to improve health, from eighteenth century elite landscape gardens with their plunge pools, through the institutional gardens of hospitals, asylums and sanatoria, and concluding with a discussion of the inclusion of parks and gardens as integral features of urban planning. In this way interactions with designed nature will be seen in the context of changing medical understanding, rapid urbanisation and a fear of diseases caused by civilisation.
14.10-16.10
Roundtable: ‘Activities in ‘Nature’ for Improved Personal and Social Wellbeing: Practice and Research’. Led by Rebecca Crowther, University of Edinburgh.
From crossing liminal boundaries and the transformation of the self through to practice in ‘healing journeys’, social policy, mental health, personal development, education, place making and community initiative – This panel will explore themes within current research, individual practice and grass roots work that address the outdoors and personal and social wellbeing.
Rebecca Crowther, PhD Candidate, The University of Edinburgh
Sam Gardiner and Rachael Weedon, New Caledonian Woodlands, Edinburgh
Dr Matluba Khan, The University of Edinburgh & University of Engineering & Technology Bangladesh
Dr Margaret Kerr, Psychotherapist, researcher and outdoor facilitator, Glasgow
Athina Georgiou Shippi, PhD Candidate, The University of Edinburgh
Marie-Amelie Viatte, Connected by Nature, Inspiring Scotland, The Power of Food Festival, Edinburgh
16.10-16.30
Discussion
16.30-17.00
Mindfulness Practice
Dr Margaret Kerr, Psychotherapist, researcher and outdoor facilitator, Glasgow
17.00-17.15
Reflection, Closing remarks