About this Event
On Friday 5 June 2026, CW+ will host a one-day symposium at West Middlesex University Hospital, bringing together those working in the field of nature and biophilia in hospitals to share learning, explore best practice and showcase pioneering work.
We have a full day of guest speakers and the showcases will consider: 'Design and integration of nature and biophilic design in hospitals', and 'Participation and nature engagement for hospital communities'. See the agenda below for full details of the day.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival, Welcome, Refreshments
Introduction from Chair, Jinny Blom
Host: Jinny Blom
Info: Jinny Blom is Director of Jinny Blom Studio which delivers fascinating landscaping and garden commissions in the UK and Worldwide, many of which have won awards. Jinny is Artist in Residence for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Keynote 1: The RHS Wellbeing Garden Blueprint: Designing wellbeing gardens
Host: Dr Ashby Lavelle Sachs (Research Fellow in Horticulture)
Info: This presentation will highlight the science and practice behind the newly launched RHS Wellbeing Gardens Blueprint. The Blueprint is an evidence-based set of principles underpinned by twelve years of RHS research and practical experience to optimise wellbeing in the garden. Throughout the Blueprint, scientific evidence demonstrates how gardens and gardening can be an important part of promoting good health, preventing poor health, and supporting recovery. Drawing on inspiring examples from across the UK, the Blueprint includes ideas that range from ambitious, large-scale projects to simple, affordable and empowering changes that anyone can make.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Showcase 1: Design and integration of nature and biophilic design in hospital
Info: A selection of presentations from those working in the field, sharing projects and learning.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Showcase 2: Participation and nature engagement for hospital communities
Info: A selection of presentations from those working in the field, sharing projects and learning.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Keynote 2: Transforming Healthcare through Nature: The Nature Recovery Ranger
Host: Dan Loveard (Green Space for Health Project Manager)
Info: This session will showcase the NHS Forest Healthy by Nature programme, which embeds Nature Recovery Rangers across nine NHS Trusts to integrate nature into patient care, staff wellbeing and community engagement. Rangers support the transformation of hospital grounds into thriving, biodiverse green spaces, while delivering engaging activities that enable people to gain health, wellbeing, social and skills-based benefits. Drawing on case studies, successes and learning from across the programme, the session will demonstrate the value of dedicated staff in maximising the role of nature connection and green spaces in healthcare settings to prevent ill health, support recovery and improve wellbeing.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Lunch, Networking, Creative Workshop
Info: During the break you will be able to network with sector colleagues and take part in a nature-themed creative activity (optional). A vegetarian lunch will be provided. Vegan and gluten-free diets can be accommodated at request. Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances and preferences when you book your ticket. Contact: [email protected].
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Keynote 3: Greenspace interventions for health: Do they really work?
Host: Dr Lewis Elliot (ECEHH)
Info: Greenspace interventions for health: Do they really work and how can we best evaluate their impact? This presentation will draw on epidemiological, psychological, and social science research to firstly explore how interventions to enhance or improve existing green spaces for the health benefit of populations fit within wider nature-health research frameworks. It will then address the question of why it’s so difficult to say whether these interventions work, before demystifying some of that complexity by focusing on practical, efficient guidance for the evaluation of such interventions, even when resources are scarce.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Keynote 4: Don't call it 'garden therapy'
Host: Katie Tait (CEO Horatio's Garden)
Info: After the devastation of a spinal injury, the future can seem bleak. Horatio’s Garden creates and runs beautiful vibrant gardens beside NHS spinal centres. By providing beauty, connection, independence and dignity, the gardens support patients, families, and NHS teams beyond the clinical environment. This presentation explores how precise language helps recognise - and properly value - the transformative impact of Horatio’s Garden as a critical part of spinal injury rehabilitation across all biopsychosocial parameters.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Panel Discussion: What next… policy, evidence, funding, sustainability
Info: A conversation with our Keynote speakers hosted by event Chair, Jinny Blom.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
