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Welcome back to Wageningen Campus!

Published on
September 3, 2024

This period, many colleagues are returning to work and campus after a wonderful holiday. Then there is also time again for a fresh break on the green Wageningen Campus. Would you like to put your senses to work during a relaxing lunch walk? A special walk has now been developed for this purpose, giving you the chance to stimulate your senses and consciously enjoy what you hear, see and feel. You can follow the route on your own or join a guided group walk on 26 September.

‘World Environmental Health Day’

On 26 September, it’s ‘World Environmental Health Day’, a day dedicated worldwide to highlighting the relationship between our health and the environment. This day emphasizes the importance of a healthy living environment for everyone. This year, Wageningen Campus will mark the occasion in a special way. What could be better than personally experiencing the benefits of nature on our health? This is why WUR will lead a sensory nature walk on campus on 26 September. 

Sensory Nature Route

The new nature walk is developed so you can focus on your different senses. At each stop, you will receive instructions that direct your attention to your breathing, hearing, sight, smell or touch. A walk like this contributes to mindfulness, enhances concentration, reduces stress and helps prevent and recover from burnout. This is relevant, because 60% of students and staff experience stress and mental problems on a regular basis. 

In a search for answers and solutions, this nature walk was created in collaboration with several researchers, WUR's Facility and Services Department and Wageningen Biodiversity Initiative (WBI). The route takes you past various beautiful nature spots on campus, such as the nature garden at Lumen, the flower meadow near the Amphitheatre and the experimental forest garden. Along the way, you can engage in exercises that allow you to focus on your senses and connect with nature in a meaningful way. 

Will you join us on 26 September?

You’re welcome to walk the route on your own, but on 26 September there is an opportunity to join a guided version of (a part of) the walk. At 12:00, we will gather in front of the Gaia building and the walk will last about 45 minutes. Participation is free, but to help us plan for the group size, we kindly ask participants to sign up in advance (although it’s not mandatory). You can register using this form

Let's step into nature together on 26 September and experience how a short nature break can make a big difference to our well-being! 

Explore more on campus

In addition to this walk, there is more to discover on campus. With the interactive PDF ‘Discover Wageningen Campus’, you can explore the campus on your own and learn more about nature, art, sustainability and stories behind the buildings on campus. 

What: Guided sensory nature walk
Time: 12:00 PM
Duration: ±45 minutes
Starting point: In front of Gaia
Cost: Free, but signing up is appreciated