The 21-year-old University of Otago bachelor of science honours student is researching the relationship between health and the natural environment for his dissertation.
He said he was trying to determine whether just being in a natural environment had as many health and wellbeing benefits as physical activity in the natural environment did.
“Essentially, in the current times we are in, people tend to be more conscious of their health, as well as being more conscious of their physical activity levels, meaning more people are likely to be exploring their neighbourhoods and the green spaces available to them for recreation.”
Mr Furjes-Crawshaw said he was inspired to conduct the research following last year’s lockdown.
“I used to live about five houses down from Woodhaugh Gardens, so I had access to that natural environment all the time.
“Every day during lockdown, I’d go for a walk through Woodhaugh Gardens and every day I would find myself taking more notice of nature and wildlife, and every day I felt a little more positive and upbeat.
“It fuelled something in me and made me want to investigate it.”
“I’m looking into the importance of social connectedness for health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, and whether physical activity and/or natural environments can enhance social connectedness.’’
