This research project addresses inclusivity and engagement with the natural environment. A wealth of evidence has demonstrated that ethnic minorities have less access and lower visitation to green and natural spaces than the UK average. This is a vital area to investigate due to the numerous health and wellbeing benefits that are accrued through contact with nature.
The project partners with Natural England and has a team of supervisors from varied disciplinary backgrounds. It prioritises approaches that are inclusive and culturally appropriate. The overarching aim is to understand the ways in which ethnicity and other contextual characteristics influence motivations to visit green and natural spaces, experiences of these spaces, and associated wellbeing benefits.
Working research questions
1. What are the motivations and constraints for individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds to use green and natural spaces as a resource for associated wellbeing benefits?
2. What does quality mean in a broad sense, including environmental, cultural, and other place-based attributes, and what is meaningful for individuals from varying ethnic minority backgrounds? 3. What influences shape perceptions of quality and choice of visitation to the natural environment? 4. How can we improve planning and provision of quality green and natural spaces to optimise access to, the experience of, and benefits from these spaces for the greatest diversity of people? |