About the project
This PhD explores how people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) access and experience nature to support wellbeing. Using mixed methods, it investigates barriers, lived experiences, and the role of different natural spaces. 福利着片ings will inform strategies to enhance equitable, sustainable nature-based wellbeing interventions for disadvantaged populations.
This interdisciplinary PhD explores how people living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) access and experience nature to support wellbeing. Despite strong evidence that nature-based interventions improve health, we know little about how those with complex health needs overcome barriers to connect with nature, and what types of natural spaces (coastal, urban, rural, or micro-nature) make a difference.
As a PhD student, you will use a mixed-methods approaches including:
- systematic review to map current evidence
- creative qualitative research (Photovoice and interviews) to capture lived experiences
- ethnographic case studies to understand local contexts.
You will develop a theoretical framework explaining how social, economic, and environmental factors interact to shape nature access and wellbeing.
This research will inform equitable, sustainable strategies for health and social care, providing a basis for future public health or health interventions.
Additional technical training or support
Evidence synthesis.
Photovoice methods in research.
Creative ethnographic research methods.
Participatory research methods and public engagement.
Qualitative research methods and analysis.
References
Fortin 脡, Langelier M脠, L茅onard G, da Silva RA. The Impact of Nature-Based Interventions on Physical, Psychosocial, and Physiological Functioning for Physical Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Journal of Ageing and Longevity 2025, Vol 5, Page 35 [Internet]. 2025 Sep 16 [cited 2025 Nov 3];5(3):35. Available from: .
Foley R, Garrido-Cumbrera M, Guzman V, Bra莽e O, Hewlett D. Home and nearby nature: Uncovering relational flows between domestic and natural spaces in three countries during COVID-19. Wellbeing, Space and Society [Internet]. 2022 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Nov 6];3:100093. Available from: .
NIHR Collection. Multiple long-term conditions (multimorbidity): making sense of the evidence [Internet]. 2021 Mar [cited 2022 Jul 19]. Available from: .
