Whitney Fleming is a researcher with expertise in environmental psychology, human-nature interactions, and well-being. Her work explores how biodiversity, social factors, and accessibility shape experiences in natural environments. She employs interdisciplinary methods, including quantitative large-scale survey techniques, experimental studies, and qualitative analysis to assess engagement with nature. 

Module Contributor for: 

• Module ONS-1001: Environmental data & analysis
• Module DXX-2009: Conservation Practice
• Module DXX-3701: Dissertation
• Module DXX-3801: Human Aspects of Conservation
• Module ENS-4205: Management planning
• Module ENS-4318: Social Issues in Forest Mgt.

PhD Students

• Joe Roy ESRC- WGSS (Welsh Graduate School for Social Scinces) PhD student in studying human wellbeing and biodiversity in soundscapes. 

Research Interests

• Human-Nature Interactions and Well-Being 

• Access to Nature

• Sense of Place

• Environmental Perceptions and Governance 

• Environmental Stewardship and Behavior

• Science Understanding and Misconceptions 

Available Project

I welcome enquiries from prospective Master’s and PhD students interested in working in areas related to my research. While I do not currently have dedicated funding available, motivated students are encouraged to get in touch to discuss potential projects and funding opportunities.

If you are interested, please email me with a CV and a brief research proposal outlining your interests and how they align with my work.

2026

• E-pub ahead of printExploring UK consumer perceptions and willingness to adopt alternative wine packaging
  Ashton, F. & Fleming, W., 9 Apr 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Cleaner Production. 557, 148239.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• E-pub ahead of printThe diverse influences of local landscapes on life satisfaction
  Fleming, W., Hallman, T., Katz, B. & Biedenweg, K., 18 Feb 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Ecosystems and People. 22, 1, 2624445.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2024

• PublishedA framework for understanding the human experience of nature through cognitive mapping
  Dan-Rakedzon, N., Fleming, W., Lissovsky, N., Clayton, S. & Shwartz, A., Aug 2024, In: Conservation Biology. 38, 4, e14283.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSimply looking at greenery can boost mental health – new research
  Fleming, W., 11 Jun 2024, The Conversation.
  Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
• PublishedThe nature gaze: Eye‐tracking experiment reveals well‐being benefits derived from directing visual attention towards elements of nature
  Fleming, W., Rizowy, B. & Shwartz, A., Aug 2024, In: People and Nature. 6, 4, p. 1469-1485 17 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2023

• PublishedNature interactions and their associations with connection to nature and well-being varies between different types of green spaces
  Fleming, W. & Shwartz, A., 1 Aug 2023, In: People and Nature. 5, 4, p. 1160-1173
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2022

• PublishedConnections among Puget Sound Residents’ Psychological Restoration from Natural Environments, Place Attachment, and Beliefs about Environmental Governance
  Fleming, W., Needham, M. & Biedenweg, K., Feb 2022, In: Environmental Management. 69, p. 258-270
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMeasuring Spatial Associations between Environmental Health and Beliefs about Environmental Governance
  Fleming, W., Hallman, T., van den Hoek, J., Johnson, S. M. & Biedenweg, K., Dec 2022, In: Environmental Management. 70, p. 1038-1050
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• The Effects of Biodiversity on Human Wellbeing in Soundscapes

  01/09/2024 – 15/09/2027 (Active)

Current 

• Leverhulme Trust - The effects of biodiversity on human wellbeing in soundscapes
• UKRI – Mobilizing Community Assets to reduce Health Inequalities Programme (Deaf Health) 

Past

• Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program  – Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship