The Ecology of Attention

A walk-workshop by Nature Nurture Project

When was the last time you paid attention to something long enough to truly notice it?

In a world of constant notifications, endless scrolling and competing demands, our attention is pulled in a hundred different directions. We spend so much time reacting to what demands our attention that we may have less time to explore what genuinely interests us. But what if the cost of constant distraction is not just lost time, but a world we no longer know how to notice? And if we keep giving our attention away, what happens to our ability to choose where it goes?

What does research tell us?

Research in environmental psychology suggests that spending time in natural environments can support aspects of cognitive functioning, including working memory and attentional control (Bell et al., 2025; Stevenson et al., 2018). Mindfulness-based practices have also demonstrated benefits across several cognitive domains, including attention (Whitfield et al., 2023). Drawing, meanwhile, has been associated with improved subsequent memory (Wammes et al., 2024).

Nature Nurture Project brings these ideas into an accessible, deeply embodied and hands-on experience. It offers an opportunity to practise noticing, engage our curiosity and explore different ways of connecting with ourselves, one another and the living world. The Ecology of Attention is an invitation to pause, pay attention and rediscover the world around us.

What will we explore?

Drawing inspiration from nature connection, forest bathing, environmental psychology and experiential learning, this thoughtfully and scientifically curated interactive experience invites children and adults to explore by journeying through a few layers

• Turning inward: Discover the patterns of your own attention. What draws you in? What do you habitually filter out?
• Tuning into the world: What becomes noticeable when you give your senses room to explore?
• Staying with the details: What can an ordinary, overlooked part of nature reveal when you spend time with it?
• Seeing through other eyes: How do different people experience the same environment? What can we discover through one another?
• Finding connection: What might paying attention open up within ourselves, in our relationships and in our relationship with nature?

Who is this for?

Children and families: An opportunity to explore together, encourage questions, nurture curiosity and create meaningful moments of shared discovery.

Adults: A chance to step outside everyday routines, engage the senses, reconnect with curiosity and experience familiar surroundings differently.

Schools and learning communities: An engaging way to explore observation, creativity, environmental awareness and learning beyond the classroom.

Corporate teams and organizations: A refreshing shared experience that encourages perspective-taking, collaboration, curiosity and connection outside the usual work environment.

Do I need to know anything beforehand?

Not at all!

You don't need to know the names of plants, identify birds, be good at drawing or have any experience with mindfulness. There is no right way to participate and no expectation to know the answers.

Just bring comfortable footwear, an open mind and your curiosity.

Come as you are. No prior knowledge necessary.

Attention is where connection begins.

See you outdoors!

Want to connect? Reach out on- naturenurtureprojecthyd@gmail.com