Research Projects
In partnership with the University of Surrey, Dose of Nature is involved in a number of research projects.
The Whiteley Village Care Centre
This charitable retirement centre provides an ideal setting for an important study investigating the way in which older adults engage with the natural environment. The Whiteley Village Care Centre is set in 225 acres of Surrey woodland, but this beautiful natural environment is rarely accessed by the residents: like so many older adults, living in their own homes and in residential homes, they prefer to stay inside.
Our study is examining the attitudes and behaviour of older adults in relation to spending time outside in nature. As part of our study, we are trialling an intervention that involves older adults spending regular periods of time in natural settings, and evaluating the physiological and psychological impact of this increased engagement with the natural world over a ten-week period. Furthermore, we are investigating the barriers, faced by older adults, to spending more time outside, and looking at innovative ways to enable older adults to access the mental health benefits of engaging with nature.
Wisley Gardens
In partnership with Dr Alistair Griffiths, the Royal Horticultural Society Director of Science and Collections, we are conducting a large-scale research project amongst the visitors to Wisley Gardens, the RHS’s flagship garden in the heart of Surrey. We are using a number physiological and psychological measures, collected before and after participants spend time in the Gardens, to create a large data base of evidence on the impact of visiting a natural environment.
We are also excited about creating what may be the first ‘shinrin yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’ trail in the UK, a trail through the woodland area specifically designed to enhance mental wellbeing.
The DoN ten-week programme
We are conducting a number of pilot studies, investigating the physiological and psychological impact of increased regular visits to nature amongst non-clinical groups, looking at different ‘doses’, and a range of factors that may affect the efficacy of the intervention.