Nature as healer

A phenomenological study of the experiences of wild swimmers in Kenwood Ladies’ Pond on Hampstead Heath

Abstract

This phenomenological research explored the phenomenon of nature as healer through the lived experience of wild swimmers at Kenwood Ladies’ Pond on Hampstead Heath (hereafter abbreviated as the Ladies’ Pond). Five semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the experience of women who swim there. Five key themes emerged from the data analysis. These were: nature through wild swimming; perception of the place through wild swimming; the physical and psychological benefits of wild swimming; descriptive feeling benefits through wild swimming; and healing through wild swimming. These themes were explored in relation to relevant literature. A textural description was then written to describe the essence of experiences through wild swimming, along with identifying limitations in the research and further considerations.