E-Co-Flourishing Nature Walk Study Pilot
On 28th September 2024, I was lucky to participate in a pilot run for the E-co-Flourishing team’s research into the effects of nature in Youth Mental Health, where we would embark on a 5km walk through Wytham Woods (the site of scientific research since 1947).
Starting out at the Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, we were introduced to the research team and other participants. We received important info regarding the specifics of the walk and the E-co-Flourishing team’s research.
After that we completed a pre-walk questionnaire that asked questions like “How would you rate your overall mental health?”, “Overall, to what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?” and a variety of “to what extent…” questions. Lots of which revolved around our relationship with nature and our experiences with nature as a child.
After settling in, we treated ourselves to a variety of sandwiches and juice. It was very easy to feel comfortable there because the researchers were very welcoming and friendly. When it was time to start, we taxied to the Cumnor Gate entrance of Wytham Woods, where we had a short talk encouraging us to stay quiet for the sake of the research. We were also asked if we could take photos of anything found interesting. And, to use the notebook and map of the route provided too.
During the first leg we were told to focus on our senses. We walked up a mound where we had an incredible view of Oxford. Journeying on, I focused on the overpowering amount of green in the environment. At the top, we continued with the questionnaire. This delved into the same questions as before but focused on the development of our emotions throughout the walk.
After that, we took the opportunity to greet some beautiful sheep along the boundary to another field. I’m not sure whether this sparked the inspiration for the next sequence but it seemed too good to be true… This was because we were encouraged to envision ourselves as animals!
Subsequently, we began to wander through the woodlands. They were torn with experiments. Although they didn’t appear much from afar, upon closer inspection I noticed these small plastic pieces in the sides of trees nearby futuristic tin-foil scarecrows on sticks. I couldn’t imagine what they could possible be meant for.
Venturing on, we saw an art project focused on sustainability. They created hanging wooden balls delicately weaved from fallen twigs- hung high in large oak trees. Before long we came across a massive collection of rocks in the middle of the path. Clearly this was the site of amazement because just as quickly as they were up there, the children in the group were being rushed down.
We came to a stop near stacks and stacks of felled trees to complete the questionnaire again. The questions varied slightly between each rendition but the overall theme remained the same. The questions asked about our emotions, experiences, and who we interacted with during the walk. Overall, questions pointed towards nature and how we felt about it.
Next, we continued towards Wytham Chalet where we would finish the walk with a final questionnaire and head back.
The chalet was massive and it felt like a sci-fi movie in the way it towered over us like the shrieking shack from Harry Potter. Inside we found a room where we filled out the questionnaire and relaxed for a while.
After that we started to head back. Once we got back to the Department of Psychiatry, we were asked questions about what sorts of thoughts and emotions presented themselves during the walk. Specifically, which location we noticed the most. As well as which area were we most eager to record and why. We then gauged how relevant these emotions were to specific words such as “Gratitude” or “Decentering”. Finally, we were asked whether the structure of the walk, length of questionnaire, or something else could be improved for future walks, or if there were any specifics question we noticed throughout the pilot.
Overall, I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of such an amazing experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Youth Mental Health or anyone who has an interest in the environment or wants to contribute to Psychiatric Research.