Teri Knight Centre for Evidence-based Conservation Bangor University

Purpose: To explore the research agenda relating to the relationship between physical activity and the natural environment with a particular focus on the impact of socio-demographic variables on this relationship.

Assumptions: Certain socio-demographic groups participate less in physical activity in natural environments. Increasing access to natural environments will result in increased physical activity amongst low participation groups. Physical activity in natural environments improves health and well-being over and above that resulting from physical activity per se.

What would we look for in terms of evidence that this is the case?  To be discussed in Group Session 1. To what extent is this evidence-base in place?  To be discussed in Group Session 2. What implications does this then have for the research agenda?  To be discussed in Group Session 3.

Setting the scene Which socio-demographic groups participate less in outdoor recreation? Sue Williams, Senior Social Research Officer, Countryside Council for Wales What are the health and well-being benefits of physical activity in outdoor natural environments?  A systematic review: Ruth Garside, Senior Lecturer in Evidence Synthesis, European Centre for Environment and Human Health  A qualitative research case study: Bianca Ambrose-Oje, Forestry Commission

Group discussion 1: What should we look for in terms of evidence? Level of evidence: primary research, evidence synthesis, reviews Type of evidence: quantitative, qualitative research, ‘expert opinion, evaluation...

Group discussion 2: Drawing on presentations and first group discussions To what extent is this evidence base in place? What are the main gaps?

Group discussion 3: What implications does this then have for the research agenda? Monitoring and evaluation of interventions in order to generate ‘evidence’ and provide data for performance monitoring Primary research Evidence synthesis