A rapidly changing world
The constant reports of record temperatures, wildfires, floods and droughts in the world today tell us that climate change is happening now. We are living with ever faster change, both technological and biological.
Children’s roaming radius from their home has decreased by 90% in the past 30 years. Spine and neck problems in young people are at an all time high (linked to sedentary lifestyles and frequent use of hand held screens), and childhood obesity is a well known epidemic. Children also spend less time than ever in free play, which is critical to their development, instead being shuttled from one adult-led activity to the next.
We will need to draw on our incredible human capacity for creativity, resilience and cooperation to meet challenges ahead. Compassion and self awareness are at the heart of finding our courage to create our best future. It is widely known that our wellbeing and resilience is deeply intertwined with that of the natural world, and that there is deep intuitive intelligence available to us through our nature connectedness.
In building EcoWild we considered some truths of our times
Increasingly we as a species are divorced from the environment in which we spent hundreds of thousands of years evolving. Mental health problems and chronic illness are highest in technologically developed countries. Peer reviewed research studies prove the link between access to natural environment and wellbeing in all its measures; including better physical health, lower crime, less domestic violence, less need for pain relief post surgery, optimised mental health.
In an era of constant threats to humanity through natural disasters precipitated by human induced climate change, the need for environmental custodians could not be greater. In knowing the environment and understanding it we start to value it, and the seeds for environmental stewardship are sown.
Living as a whole
EcoWild envisions and works towards a world where this work is no longer needed, our global culture having remembered that we are part of a greater living whole. From this place we will act towards our earth body as we would to our own physical being, cherishing it and creating a net positive impact on the flourishing of all life.
Many other organisations and projects, and millions of individuals around the globe are working towards the same future. We are all weaving our part of the greater tapestry that will be our collective future.
Inspiration
Accidental Gods is a project that draws together much of the thinking and practice that underpins EcoWild’s approach. Exploring the liminal space between science and spirituality, philosophy and politics, art, and creativity – working towards the conscious evolution of humanity.
The Work That Reconnects is a resource and inspiration for anyone looking to step further into the path of deeper purpose and to harness their passions in the service of life.
The Natural Academy works to train people in Nature based facilitation that can bring us back into wellness, wholeness, and the deep inner knowing that informs our soul/ spirit journeys.
Research
There is a wealth of well-researched studies, articles and projects highlighting the vital importance of reconnecting to the natural world.
Does a natural environment enhance the effectiveness of Mindfulness-based stress reduction? (2020)
Is Technology Causing a Lifetime of Pain for Millennials? (2020)
Health and the natural environment: A review of evidence, policy, practice and opportunities for the future (2018)
Good practice in social prescribing for mental health: the role of nature-based interventions (2018)
Health and the natural environment: A review of evidence, policy, practice and opportunities for the future (2017)
Beyond knowing nature: Contact, emotion, compassion, meaning, and beauty are pathways to nature connection (2017)
National Trust: Natural Childhood (2012)
Forest Schools: impact on young children in England and Wales
