Abstract
This response is based on the evidence being developed as part of the Nature-Based Integration project
(2022-2024). This project funded by Nuffield Foundation and British Academy as part of the Understanding
Communities Programme explores whether nature can facilitate integration among different communities in
the UK, with a particular focus on refugees and asylum seekers. Our research encompassed three case
studies: the London Borough of Haringey (urban case study), Blackburn with Darwen (peri-urban case study),
and the Isle of Lewis (remote/rural case study). We found that Nature-based integration leverages the restorative
potential of parks, rivers, and woodlands to foster community bonding and resilience, particularly for migrants and
new arrivals. By creating shared spaces for interaction, strengthens migrants’ connection to their new
surroundings and bridge cultural divides, significantly enhancing social cohesion.
For the purpose of this response, we will use the following definition of social/community cohesion: “Social
cohesion is a state of affairs concerning both the vertical and the horizontal interactions among members of
society as characterized by a set of attitudes and norms that includes trust, a sense of belonging and the
willingness to participate and help, as well as their behavioural manifestations” (Chan et al. 2006, p.290). Despite
the focus of our project is on ‘integration’, these two concepts are synergistic and our results identified
key findings relevant to community and social cohesion, which we identify clearly below.
(2022-2024). This project funded by Nuffield Foundation and British Academy as part of the Understanding
Communities Programme explores whether nature can facilitate integration among different communities in
the UK, with a particular focus on refugees and asylum seekers. Our research encompassed three case
studies: the London Borough of Haringey (urban case study), Blackburn with Darwen (peri-urban case study),
and the Isle of Lewis (remote/rural case study). We found that Nature-based integration leverages the restorative
potential of parks, rivers, and woodlands to foster community bonding and resilience, particularly for migrants and
new arrivals. By creating shared spaces for interaction, strengthens migrants’ connection to their new
surroundings and bridge cultural divides, significantly enhancing social cohesion.
For the purpose of this response, we will use the following definition of social/community cohesion: “Social
cohesion is a state of affairs concerning both the vertical and the horizontal interactions among members of
society as characterized by a set of attitudes and norms that includes trust, a sense of belonging and the
willingness to participate and help, as well as their behavioural manifestations” (Chan et al. 2006, p.290). Despite
the focus of our project is on ‘integration’, these two concepts are synergistic and our results identified
key findings relevant to community and social cohesion, which we identify clearly below.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | UK Parliament- Women and Equalities Committee |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 5 Feb 2025 |