FoSS 2025: Nature connectedness

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Nature connectedness: Coming together to understand the value of embedding time for nature in the school day

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, Prof Dawn Watling, along with our collaborators on this event from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst, and the University of Sussex are hosting two participatory workshop events.

Events explore the power of connecting to nature and providing young people with the tools to feel good, function well and protect the natural world. We explore the “Whys and hows”, providing practical tips and sharing with one another.

We are hosting two workshop events:

Connecting young people with nature: The “Whys and Hows”

29th October, 2025, 10-1pm

In-person event

This 3 hour workshop is designed to provide: 1) knowledge to empower those working with young people to argue for embedding nature into daily activities; 2) training and guidance on supporting young people to connect with nature; 3) hands-on experience with example low cost, low resource nature connectedness activities ; 4) knowledge and training for inclusive practice with nature connectedness; 5) networking and learning from others.

Sign up here

Valuing embedding time for nature: Why, how, and what next!

4th November, 3:30-4:30

Online event

The 1 hour workshop is designed to: 1) showcase discussion points from the in-person event, including the why and how of nature connection; 2) provide practical advice on how to facilitate young people to connect with nature; 3) work with attendees to refine and shape the call to action. 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.

Sign up here

Event presentations and resources will be provided below following the events.