Ensuring Accessibility and Promoting Well-being Through Nature-Based Collaboration in Kullaberg NR
About this good practice
Kullaberg Nature Reserve fosters strong cooperation with multiple stakeholders to promote health and well-being through accessible nature experiences for all ages and abilities. Biodiversity conservation, visitor experiences and an emphasis on accessibility, universal design and the removal of physical and sensory barriers have become a key priority.
Supporting our community to access and enjoy nature has entailed initiatives such as organized nature walks for the elderly and those with impairments as well as inclusive education sessions for school classes, addressing diverse requirements. To extend and deepen our impact, we have forged strong partnerships with local stakeholders and engaged volunteers in projects and events
This approach has allowed resource pooling and expertise sharing.
Kullaberg Nature Reserve closely collaborates with Höganäs municipality, including social services and health departments, focusing on:
Promoting and enhancing health and well-being through dedicated nature activities aimed at groups that are at greater risk of poor health.
Ensuring accessibility, allowing individuals with disabilities to enjoy nature and its benefits.
Collaborating with volunteer groups, schools, and tourism companies to expand outreach.
Resources needed
Core budget: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Swedish EPA).
External projects funded by the Swedish Board of Agriculture and Region Scania.
Municipal contributions: financial and staffing support.
Additional support from volunteers, trainees, and nature tourism companies.
Evidence of success
We ensure that our park areas are accessible by incorporating universal design principles and removing physical and sensory barriers. Through careful planning and ongoing improvements, we make nature experiences inclusive for everyone.
To extend our impact, we build strong partnerships with stakeholders and engage volunteer groups in hands-on projects and community events. These collaborations allow us to pool resources, share expertise, and implement initiatives for diverse community needs.
Potential for learning or transfer
By fostering partnerships with local authorities, engaging diverse target groups, and prioritizing accessibility, our approach demonstrates how parks and green spaces can become valuable assets for community health promotion.
Through partnerships with municipalities (e.g., health and social services), we collaboratively define specific groups, such as elderly people and individuals with disabilities. By engaging these groups, we design tailored activities, including nature education programs for schools and therapeutic interventions for those with health or well-being needs.
This process offers valuable learning opportunities for understanding how to align green space initiatives with diverse community needs.
The scalability of our model demonstrates how parks and green spaces can be effectively adapted to promote health and well-being in various communities, making it a transferable framework for municipalities and organizations seeking to enhance community health through nature.
Further information
Kullahalvön (Kullapeninsula)
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