Wellbeing Top of the Agenda at New ICF Event
A new one-day conference, organised by the Institute of Chartered Foresters East England Regional Group, is putting health and wellbeing at the top of the agenda. Booking has now opened for Trees, Greenspace and Wellbeing which takes place on Thursday 26 September at Girton College, University of Cambridge.
The benefits of being outdoors, and the impact of the natural environment on our behaviour, attitudes and wellbeing, have long been documented. The recent publication of the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) Report highlighted the huge social, economical and physical benefits resulting from interactions with our outdoor environment, and it is being used to help local authorities identify priorities for greening communities. This follows findings published earlier in the year from the European Centre for the Environment and Human Health that documented the significant impact living in greener areas has on life satisfaction and mental distress.
With concerns about public health continuing to grow, the potential of greenspace to play a significant part in contributing to healthy lifestyles is gaining increased recognition. At the political level in England, government is seeking to develop a new approach that empowers individuals to make healthy choices and gives communities the tools to address their own particular needs. New institutions such as Public Health England and local Health and Wellbeing boards are also driving forward changes.
Addressing these topical issues, Trees, Greenspace and Wellbeing offers a platform for debate and discussion bringing together renowned professionals from the health and natural environment sectors to examine the role for greenspace in health and wellbeing, discuss opportunities and offer practical guidance on realising the potential of our outdoor spaces.
The line up of nationally-recognised speakers includes:
• Iain Green, Environmental Health Officer, South Cambridgeshire District Council
• Dominic Higgins, Green Gym National Development Manager, The Conservation Volunteers
• Sharon Hosegood MICFor, Director, D F Clark Bionomique Ltd (Broomfield Hospital Woodlands, Mid-Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust)
• Professor Andy Jones and Dr Emma Coombes, Norwich Medical School
• Andrew Milward, Walking for Health Regional Scheme Development Officer, Ramblers
• Dr Liz O’Brien, Deputy Head of Social and Economic Research Group, Forest Research
• Rachel Penny, Senior Specialist Health & Accessible Natural Environment, Natural England
• Richard Powell OBE, Chief Executive, Healthy Ambitions
• Rachel Stancliffe, Chair of the NHS Forest Steering Group and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare
They will be joined by session chairs including Mark Pritchard FICFor, CEO, Green Light Trust.
The full Conference Programme is available to download from the ICF website
Booking Information:
Cost – £68 per delegate (include refreshments, lunch and materials)
Spaces are limited so early booking is advisable.
Book Online at www.charteredforesters.org/wellbeing
For booking enquiries email Allison Lock at ICF on 0131 240 1425.
Image courtesy Forestry Commission
