Rhys Furlong

Rhys Furlong is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby's College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. His research focuses on nature connectedness, wellbeing, and community engagement in environmental contexts. He has contributed to multiple evaluation reports for Wildlife Trust projects, analyzing the impact of outdoor programs on youth and community well-being.

Key research interests include: environmental psychology, conservation volunteering, and qualitative methods for understanding human-nature relationships. His work often explores how urban gardening, outdoor education, and conservation activities influence mental health and community resilience.

Recent publications examine low-income residents' experiences with allotment gardening, the psychological benefits of residential outdoor trips, and how volunteering during the pandemic enhanced nature connection. He has collaborated on evaluations for projects like Generation Green (youth programs) and the Wild Wellbeing Hub (mental health initiatives).

Notable contributions include reports for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, showcasing his role in assessing and improving environmental education initiatives.