Jo Barton

I am a Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I am the leading researcher of the ‘Green Exercise’ programme, providing evidence of the synergistic health benefits of participating in physical activities in green spaces. The research acknowledges the physical, social and psychological health benefits of green exercise and explores how the outdoor environment can be used to promote health and wellbeing and drive behavioural change. The research agenda also targets vulnerable groups such as ‘youth at risk’ or adults with mental ill-health to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of nature-based activities. I work with numerous external organisations and charities evaluating the health benefits of nature-based interventions.