Initiators Greil, Grabijn and Verschuuren doing a nature-connectedness exercise. Photo https://babypro.art/s for UFW A group of WUR employees wants to create a nature-connectedness path: a walking route with an app that shows exercises to help users experience nature more intensely. This enhances the well-being of users and stimulates a connection with nature. The initiators hope to finance the plan with a crowdfunding campaign via University Fund Wageningen.
Sonja Greil, researcher at Wageningen Social and Economic Research, and Lian Grabijn, researcher at Wageningen Environmental Research, are the brains behind the trail. They want to use the NatureFix app, which offers a walking route and a so-called nature wellness zone where people can relax, combined with exercises that help users build a deeper connection with nature. Greil: ‘After such a trip, people feel calmer, more relaxed and at the same time energetic.’
Assistant professor of Forest and Nature Policy Bas Verschuuren supports the initiative. According to him, it contributes to research into the effects of nature connection. He also sees benefits for both people and nature. ‘A deep connection with nature increases concentration and resilience and reduces stress. It strengthens our vitality and helps neurodivergent students and staff, for example, to find more peace’, he says. In addition, a connection with nature often leads to climate-friendly behaviour and a broader understanding of the value of nature and biodiversity: ‘People simply take better care of what they love.’
Sensory route
The NatureFix app guides walkers through push notifications and audio with simple exercises. ‘Think of tasks such as listening to the sounds of nature with your hands cupped around your ears, or consciously relaxing your eyes to broaden your gaze’, explains Greil. The exercises focus on the interaction between perception, awareness and physical sensations. ‘Simple exercises can change your view of nature and help you relax.’
The initiators previously tested their ideas with a ‘Sensory Trail’ launched last year during the Biodiversity Challenge. That trail encouraged walkers to actively use their senses. Greil: ‘But connecting with nature goes beyond just the senses. This app provides more background information about the exercises and can also collect research data, if users give their consent. This allows us to gain scientific insights through the app, without any extra effort on the part of participants.’
Crowdfunding
To realize the walking trail and the app, the initiators are launching a crowdfunding campaign via University Fund Wageningen. They aim to raise a total of 28,000 euros. They are also approaching companies on campus to contribute. ‘In this way, we are creating the trail together, for and with the campus community’, says Bas Verschuuren.
Those who cannot or do not want to wait for the launch of the app and want to start working on their connection with nature now can join a guided walk organised by the initiators on 24 June. The walk is part of the Biodiversity Challenge.
Translated with DeepL.com
