The past twelve months has seen unprecedented worry and disruption as the UK has confronted the COVID-19 pandemic. Extended lockdowns have severely restricted opportunities to engage in everyday activities leading people to re-evaluate their lives and to appreciate small pleasures which they might have previously overlooked.

In this lecture, Dr. Katherine Burgess, Principal Adviser of The People and Nature Survey for England, will present findings from the People and Nature Survey, a vital source of information on how people experience and think about the environment in England. The survey highlights the positive role of nature in supporting well-being for adults, children and young people during COVID-19 and lockdown. However, the survey also shows how inequalities in access to green and natural space have been exacerbated during the pandemic.

Prof Paul Stallard, leading childhood clinical psychologist and member of the Department for Health at the University of Bath, will summarise results from an online survey of carers of children undertaken during the peak of the first wave of the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite experiencing considerable adversity, many people reported examples of post-traumatic growth. This appreciation of everyday events and ability to identify positive outcomes was associated with better psychological wellbeing.

You can join the live online lecture from 18:00 – 19:00 on Wednesday 2 June 2021 by registering through Eventbrite. A link will be emailed to you before the event allowing you to view the lecture via Microsoft Teams - no account is required.