Our Story

The Natural Institute (NI) is a response to the intertwined crises of human and planetary health. It exists to research, evidence, evaluate and advocate for nature-based interventions that meaningfully address these challenges within the broad field of Applied Ecopsychology.

NI leads, consults on and collaborates in research and evaluation that explores how applied ecopsychology can support personal, community and ecological health. Our work seeks to demonstrate not only that nature-based approaches make a difference, but how and why they do, and under what conditions they offer the greatest benefit.

We are dedicated to illuminating best practice and significant outcomes, guided by a core principle: One Heath: people and nature recover and thrive together. This commitment shapes our methodologies, partnerships and the questions we choose to ask.

The Natural Institute is based at Ham Green Outdoor Centre, a working nature-based therapy, training and health site near Bristol. Here, research is embedded within lived practice. The land, gardens and wilder spaces of Ham Green act as a living laboratory, grounding inquiry in real relationships between people, place and ecology.

From this base, we work with individuals, organisations and academic institutions to weave together research and evaluation projects across the three realms of Applied Ecopsychology practice, Nature and Health, Ecotherapy and Deeper Nature. In doing so, the Natural Institute bridges practice, evidence and learning, supporting the ongoing development and integrity of nature-based work in these times.