Nature Cultures

We explore aspects of space and landscape to better understand the relationship between nature and culture. We study ecological processes alongside people’s experiences through a range of projects, from shaping socially inclusive places to exploring impacts on health and wellbeing.

A group of people with blurred faces doing arts and crafts on the grass in front of a block of flats

Off

About our work

Nature Cultures cluster members are world-leading academics in socially engaged and ecologically grounded landscape research. Collectively, we endeavour to better understand how we can design and sustain urban ecosystems and nature-based solutions. To do this we explore the physical, social and cultural dimensions of landscape and produce evidence-led design for sustainable urban futures. We don’t do this in isolation: we work extensively with academic colleagues from other disciplines and a wide range of non-academic partners - from NGOs to private landscape practices to community volunteer groups. We continue to develop an excellent research track record. Collectively, our research is distinguished by:

Addressing the climate climate change and biodiversity loss emergencies
Strong empirical foundations in urban planting and ecology
Critical engagement with social justice and inclusion
Sensitivity to cultural and historical landscape narratives
A consistent commitment to real-world application and impact

This combination reinforces the School’s position within international discourse on climate resilience and sustainable and just urban landscapes.

Our activities

We conduct internationally excellent research and help inform policy through a range of ecology and nature cultures projects
We engage in current debates around the socio-ecological and cultural dimensions of landscape through regular research seminars, workshops and public lectures
We make real-world impact through site-based design interventions to strategic planning and governance, including responding to calls for evidence and consultations
We are active teachers, demonstrating our commitment to research-led teaching of undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students
We support each other through constructive and responsive peer support for all cluster members