Hi there!

We've found an interesting study this time:

Heritage professionals have been increasingly tasked with demonstrating the social value of the historic environment on well-being. Previous research has shown positive effects of heritage involvement, particularly in terms of social and human capital. However, it remains unclear how heritage assets directly impact individual well-being.

This raises the question of whether the historic environment differs from other cultural forms in its influence on well-being. We found this study that addresses these questions, a study which proposes a new approach, using phenomenological inquiry to explore people's lived experience of heritage assets. The study focuses on Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS), the Vale of Pewsey, and surrounding areas in Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

Through phenomenological interviews, mindful heritage walks, and reflective participant accounts and photography, the study investigates how individuals experience, interpret, and value these prehistoric landscapes. The thesis presents the design, process, and results of the qualitative research, considering them in relation to theoretical frameworks and previous studies on heritage experience.

The study concludes that prehistoric archaeology and the historic environment have a unique role in promoting present-day well-being, fostering ontological security, existential relatedness, and existential authenticity for some individuals.

Furthermore, the research demonstrates that the application of phenomenological methods helps participants reflect more deeply on their embodied experience of the historic environment. Consequently, these approaches prove effective for evaluating heritage experience and developing heritage-based therapeutic interventions.

The study is called "Therapeutic Landscapes of Prehistory: Exploring the role of archaeology in the promotion of present-day well-being" and was conducted by Claire Nolan in 2019.

Download the study here

All in all, it's an interesting read, but more so, it should serve as an inspiration to go out there and explore pagan sites yourself!

Kind regards,

The team @PaganPlaces