We are looking for participants in a research interview about nature and wellbeing at work!
We are conducting a pilot research study to better understand how encounters with nature in healthcare settings can support the social wellbeing of people working there — and we’d love to hear your views and your experiences.
Who we are:
We are a small team of researchers in the School of Nursing, Allied and Public Health at Kingston University London, and we have received a small internal grant [P2526-118] to conduct this study. The study has received full ethical approval from Kingston University London’s Research Ethics Committee [REF#4002].
What’s involved:
- A one-to-one online interview, lasting no longer than one-hour between now and 20th July 2026
- Sharing your experiences and opinions online, at a mutually convenient time and day
- The insights will add to what is already known about the benefits of nature in the workplace and may help inform future practice around wellbeing at work
- All responses will be treated in accordance with ethical research guidelines and remain confidential.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Any healthcare professional, from any area of healthcare and any type of healthcare provider in the UK, who has engaged with nature in or around their place of work -- for example, as part of a workplace nature wellness activity, or simply taking breaks in a hospital garden.
Note that there are no direct benefits from taking part in this interview (i.e., no financial compensation), though some participants in health and social care research experience satisfaction knowing they have helped improve care for others.
What to do next:
If you are interested in participating or would like more information before deciding, please contact Dr Celayne Heaton-Shrestha at c.heaton-shrestha@kingston.ac.uk, with the subject line “Research Interview”. We look forward to hearing from you.
*Many thanks for taking the time to consider this request*
Hi Celayne - I'm a volunteer researcher and have recently completed a study of London hospital gardens. As part of that work I conducted surveys of staff to gain information about their use of hospital gardens. The large majority of respondents said access to gardens/nature supported their mental health and wellbeing and helps them de-stress.
I'm attaching a copy of my report 'Getting Better: Hospital Gardens in London'. You can also find it at https://londongardenstrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MK_Getting-Be….
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss. Mary
Thank you very much for bringing your research to our attention, Mary and for linking your report. I will read it with great interest and certainly be in touch.
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