The session highlighted the growing importance of strengthening the relationship between research and practice across the outdoor recreation sector. Prof. Kate Dashper emphasised the role of the Academic Research Group (ARG) as a bridge between academia and practitioners, with a clear opportunity to make research more accessible, collaborative and impactful. Dr. Rutger de Graaf’s presentation brought this to life through a powerful, applied case study, demonstrating how nature-based approaches can be embedded into systems such as healthcare to deliver measurable benefits for individuals and communities.

Professor Kate Dashper (new Chair of ORN ARG) – presentation and discussion on the key emerging research themes and priorities in outdoor recreation.

Key Points:

– The ARG should act as a bridge between research and practice, translating evidence into usable outputs

– There is strong potential for greater collaboration across academia, practitioners and policy

– Outdoor recreation needs to be reframed from a problem to a solution, particularly in supporting nature recovery

– Key focus areas include health and wellbeing, inclusion, sustainability and land use

Rutger de Graaf (Chairman, Gezond Natuur Wandelen) – From research insights to implementation: the role of nature in eldercare in the Netherlands.

Key Points:

– Nature-based approaches deliver significant health, wellbeing and social benefits, backed by strong evidence

– System change requires a shift from risk-averse thinking to enabling quality of life and choice

– Simple interventions (e.g. nature, light, animals, outdoor access) can drive meaningful impact at scale

– Partnerships and evidence are critical to unlocking funding, influencing policy and embedding innovation