KEY HUMAN UNDERSTANDINGS IN THE NEW MILLENNIA
As a species we have always asked questions about what it is to be human – our ethics, morals, values,
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve human wellbeing, performance and appreciation of the natural world by integrating nature into everyday health, education, business and sociocultural practices.
Increased Wellbeing
Being in nature increases psychological wellbeing by increasing happiness, subjective wellbeing and positive social interactions. It gives a sense of meaning and purpose in life and can make life tasks feel more manageable. It positively affects cognitive function, memory and attention, imagination and creativity.
Reduced Mental Illness
Being in nature reduces the risk and severity of mental illness. It can improve sleep and reduce stress, which helps treat depression. It can decrease the occurrence of depression, anxiety and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Get into Nature
Opportunities to be in nature are decreasing in quantity and quality around the world. More than half of the world’s population live in urban areas, which is unique to the last few centuries. Modern urban living involves reduced regular contact with outdoor nature, along with more time spent indoors and on screens.
Our Programs
Melbourne Forest Therapy
A great way to give yourself a mental break in your busy routine is to immerse yourself in the forest at one of our locations conveniently located around Melbourne. We conduct morning or afternoon Forest Therapy walks at several locations including the Dandenong Ranges and Gresswell Park.
Gippsland Retreat & Research Centre
We offer longer nature based health retreats at our beautiful east Gippsland property “Murrindal” set on 400 acres of forest near the junction of the wild and pristine Bemm and Goolengook Rivers. Individual, family or group based retreats, catered to your needs are offered with a choice of camping or bush cabins available.
MAGIC OF THE BIGGER PICTURE
Stop and see the entire view I have worked as a scientist in ecology and environmental evidence-based research for over
OUR WELLBEING NEEDS AND THE IMPACT OF PLACE – THE SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT THEORY
Does the physical environment around us influence how we feel and experience the world? The ‘Supportive Environment Theory’ would say