We are happy to announce a new publication coming from the work on this PhD. Towards an understanding of quality and inclusivity in human-environment experiences sets out some ideas about thinking 'relationally' in the area of nature inclusivity and the quality of green and natural spaces.

Abstract below, link to the open access article here.

As calls grow for relational approaches to nature and wellbe-ing research that consider reciprocity in human-environment interactions,  the  concept  of  affordances  is  gaining  impor-tance as a useful way of thinking about nature experiences. Affordances  provide  a  framework  to  enable  individualised  conceptions  of  nature  by  focusing  on  what  is  functionally  meaningful   to   people.   However,   affordance   thinking   is   currently  limited  in  its  ability  to  help  us  understand  how  peoples'   background,   culture   and   circumstances   shape   interactions  with  nature  -  a  critical  issue  with  respect  to  inclusivity and the under-representation of some sections of society.  Bourdieu's  theory  of  practice  is  a  well-established  set of ‘thinking tools’ which potentially help addresses these influences.  It  examines  how  our  social  environment  may  pattern  our  practices,  attitudes,  and  perceptions.  In  this  paper,  we  review  the  various  applications  of  affordances  before providing an overview of how Bourdieu's concepts of habitus, capital and field can complement, and be integrated with,  affordance  thinking  for  novel  applications  to  greens-pace research. Bridging these areas of thinking will facilitate development of a more intersectional and complete under-standing  of  nature  experiences,  including  the  quality  and  inclusivity of green and natural spaces.

After several months of remote and in-person interviews data collection is drawing to a close. We have spoke to a diverse array of participants who have provided valuable insight which will contribute to the outcomes of the research. These include community leaders, people who are interested in greenspaces and nature, and those who visit less often.

We are spending a few more days in Bristol meeting and talking to people at the end of august .