Current and recent projects

Some recent and current NiCHE research projects:

  • A Review of the literature on the social and health benefits of contact with nature
  • Three studies of the health and wellbeing benefits of membership of friends of parks groups (civic environmentalism)
  • Feasibility study to explore the benefits and barriers to undertaking nature-based therapies within the child protection system
  • Living high but healthy: impacts of access to nature on health, wellbeing and effective functioning of inner city highrise residents
  • Hands-on contact with nature and children's mental health and wellbeing
  • Linking PAWS (linking people and animals for wellbeing in Moorfields): exploring the benefits within Moorfields community of a visiting companion animal program
  • The impacts of a visiting companion animal program on the health and wellbeing of patients whilst residing in an acute care setting
  • Examination of the emergence of nature-based adventure interventions in Australia
  • Examination of the health and wellbeing benefits arising from participation in nature-based adventure therapy interventions.

Access the NiCHE clearinghouse to find out more about these and other NiCHE projects.



A PDF version of the NICHE literature review and annotated bibliography are free to download:

Literature Review

Literature Review: Healthy Parks Healthy People: The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context- A Review of Current Literature (Published November 2002)

Available at: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mhphp/pv1.pdf

Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibilography: Healthy Parks Healthy People: The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context- An Annotated Bibliography (Publiched November, 2002)

Available at: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mhphp/pv2.pdf

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

7th September 2007