Noticing nature

Take part in a new wellbeing study at Wakehurst.

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A couple dressed warmly and walking along a path through autumn trees, shot from behind

Nature and wellbeing 

Nature Connectedness is our ground-breaking new wellbeing study at Wakehurst. As part of Nature Unlocked, we’re researching which habitats provide the most benefits to us and our planet, and research is taking place in the gardens this autumn. 

Last summer, we ran studies with adults and children, exploring how physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety were impacted by different habitats. 

This year, we’re turning to our visitors for a brand-new study. Our scientists are setting out to investigate how the plants or landscapes that stand out to you could be linked with your wellbeing and connection to the natural world. We’re also delving deeper into the role that technology plays in our connections with nature. 

This research is developed in collaboration with Royal Holloway, University of London, and funded by Sky Zero.

Who can take part? 

If you:

  • Are aged over 18
  • Are willing to visit Wakehurst once a month, for three months
  • Have access to a smartphone (either iPhone or Android) 

We’d love for you to join us!

A man and woman stroll over a small stone bridge surrounded by autumn leaves
Wakehurst autumn © RBG Kew
A woman in a coat and scarf sits by a tree-lined pond, holding a professional camera
Wakehurst autumn © RBG Kew

How to get involved 

Prior to your visit, you will be asked to fill in an online questionnaire, and provided with a unique identifier number, so your data can be collected with strict anonymity in mind. Following this, you will need to download an app, which allows us to track your movements around Wakehurst, for the sole purpose of this research.   

With many landscapes and routes at your disposal, you’re free to explore your favourite areas, or discover somewhere new. You’ll be asked to answer a few questions about you, how you feel about nature, and your general wellbeing. For each of your three walks, you’ll need your phone ready, with the app open, as we’ll ask you to fill in a brief survey, reflect on what you noticed and explore how you feel after the walk. 

This is so we can understand when your mood changes, and when it doesn’t, to see how nature could be playing a part. 

After your three visits, we’ll then wrap up the research with a final online questionnaire so we can understand if anything has changed for you or not, and to explore if your experiences had any impact, to get the full picture.

If you’re keen to take part in this ground-breaking study, simply register your interest via our online form and our Research Coordinator will be in touch.

As part of the study, participants can receive free entry by showing the Noticing Nature app on arrival.

Sign up now