As part of our Nature Co-Lab, we’re excited to share that our CommuniGALLANT Nature Stories interviews are now underway.

Our community members, GALLANT researchers, and University of Glasgow medical students are working together to document reflections, memories, and everyday interactions with nature.

These stories will help shape the Nature Stories layer in our community science app, spotlighting the emotional, cultural, and social value of urban nature. We hope to celebrate how local green spaces support our collective wellbeing, and to inform how we protect and design them for the future.

We’re already begun uncovering powerful insights on the health impacts of urban nature. Standout contributions from medical student Abba, who undertook a 5-week placement with CommuniGALLANT.

Her research highlighted:

• Just 2 hours in nature per week can offer mental health benefits comparable to medication.
• Outdoor time is vital for children’s eye health, helping prevent rising rates of myopia.
• “Green corridors” and accessible parks reduce isolation and strengthen community connections

Her research findings present access to nature is essential, not optional. If you’d like to share your own Nature Story, or if you’re interested in becoming a community interviewer send us an email at ws2gallantpublic@gmail.com.