Exploring Urban Forest Bathing at Nature Connections 2025
Dr Kamila Kwaśniewska recently attended Nature Connections 2025 in Derby, hosted by the University of Derby, to present her research poster, “Urban Forest Bathing – Calm in the Chaos of Student Life”, co-authored by Dr Michelle Murray and Prof. Jennifer McElwain. The project was developed in collaboration with NovelEco, Student Counselling Services and Trinity College Botanic Gardens, exploring how guided nature-connection sessions can support student mental health.
The study involved 2-hour urban forest bathing sessions held in the Trinity College Botanic Garden, followed by reflective surveys completed by participating students. The findings revealed encouraging results:
85 % joined to reduce stress and relax,
78 % felt significantly more relaxed afterwards,
74 % reported improved mood,
72 % experienced a stronger connection to nature,
and 62 % left feeling more positive and uplifted.
Students described the experience as calming, grounding, and emotionally restorative, showing how even small-scale, urban green spaces can play a meaningful role in wellbeing.
The conference itself offered a rare blend of academic insight and lived experience. Alongside research presentations and keynote talks, including one by Prof. Miles Richardson, it featured outdoor workshops, movement-based sessions, creative writing, and shared plant-based meals in open-air settings. It was a space filled with real conversations, creative energy, and a sense of shared purpose.
