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 Julie Whelan, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Wakehurst, and Dr Karis Jade-Petty, University of Sussex hosted 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.
Two workshop events were hosted, one in person and a second online. Below you will find the information about the events, PowerPoint slide handouts, two live scribed image that capture our in person events and pictures from the in person event. The recording from the online event (presentation only) will be available shortly.
Connecting young people with nature: The “Whys and Hows”
3rd November, 2025, 12-3pm
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.
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.
Below are the two illustrations of our in person event from the Event Live Scribe, plus the recording of the content delivered in our online event.
Photo Gallery
Check out some of our images from the in person workshop.
