Green Spaces Research Group
Getting outdoors: using green and natural environments to enhance health, wellbeing, and learning.
The LJMU IHR Green Spaces Research Group brings together academics, practitioners, policymakers and students to explore the role of natural environments and going outdoors for health and wellbeing, community engagement and climate justice.
Our work focuses on innovative approaches to using green and outdoor spaces (both within and beyond university settings) to:
- address health inequalities
- foster connections with nature
- promote sustainable practices
- develop dynamic nature-based engagement and learning environments
Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we aim to create evidence-based solutions that support inclusive health, educational and environmental strategies.
Research themes
Our research centres on developing sustainable, impactful interventions that enhance health, wellbeing, educational and environmental outcomes through engagement with different outdoor environments.
Key areas of focus include:
- nature-based interventions for mental health and wellbeing
- physical activity and health in natural environments
- outdoor learning and climate and nature pedagogy across the curriculum
- community engagement through green infrastructure and assets
- therapeutic use of outdoor spaces, including outdoor and nature-based therapies
- sustainability, biodiversity and connection to nature in education and health
Projects
Our projects span diverse settings from urban green spaces to remote outdoor environments and involve:
- funded research projects
- postgraduate researchers
- student internships
- staff collaborations with national and international partners
Green Prescribing
Initiatives across regional and national community and health services and practices.
Partnerships include:
- Liverpool CAMHS (Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust)
- Mersey Forest Natural Health Service
- Cancer Recovery Services
- GP services
- Third Sector Organisations
- national professional organisations
Wellbeing, Climate and Nature Education
Initiatives with schools, universities, education and third sector partnerships to increase children and young people's engagement, connection and access to natural environments.
Partnerships include:
- The Mersey Forest
- GROW Wellbeing
- National Education Nature Parks
- Liverpool World Centre
- Institute for Outdoor Learning
Outdoor and Nature Therapy
Initiatives with practitioners and national and international organisations to:
- build professional frameworks
- evaluate practices
- develop ethical practices for the therapeutic application of outdoor, adventure and nature-based interventions
Partnerships include:
- Association for Outdoor Therapy
- International Association for Adventure and Nature Based Therapies
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Contact us
If you are interested in working with us on a collaborative project, or are interested in MPhil or PhD research opportunities, please get in touch.
