The last year has seen unprecedented action for the environment and wildlife conservation. With over a quarter of the British public now citing concern for the environment as one of the top three issues in the country, 1 its clear there’s appetite to do more. Now we consider how we capture this appetite and encourage people to go beyond considering what they can do, to making real tangible choices which benefit our natural environment.
Psychology and the science of behaviour change may have the solution. By considering the underlying factors which move people from good intentions to actions we can design programmes and projects which consider the real reasons why people behave in certain ways, and what might encourage them to do more (or less) of specific behaviours.
Changing behaviour goes beyond just telling someone to do something, or raising their awareness of certain issues. There needs to be consideration for their lifestyle; how others might perceive them, how they like to be perceived, the practicalities of having the right equipment, and so much more. It can be tricky to know how to begin. An understanding of models of behaviour and of some of our key psychological processes is a good starting point. These models can help to unpick the factors that make up behaviour, and match them to the best tools for starting to change them.
To find out more about models of behaviour, and how to apply them why not join us on our two day course, Human Behaviour Change for Wildlife Conservation? The course will provide you with an introduction to the psychology of behaviour change, and how to apply these to your projects and programmes to influence people’s hearts and minds. Guided by Dr Fiona Holland, Senior lecturer in psychology and behaviour change from the University of Derby, and Becky O'Melia, Engagement Manager for Hampshire Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust you will learn:
- How to identify behaviour and frame your project outcomes in behavioural terms.
- Psychological insights into how people actually make decisions including the common decision making shortcuts and biases we all use
- Different models of behaviour and how to use these to map and understand the behaviour you’re trying to change
- Behaviour change strategies and how to choose the best one
Human Behaviour Change for Wildlife Conservation runs on 27th & 28th November at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve. Tickets are £280 per person. To book please go to https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/events/2019-11-27-human-behaviour-change-wildlife-conservation
1 You Gov https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2019/06/05/concern-environment-record-highs