Murdoch University’s ‘Connecting Children in Hospital with Nature’ initiative reconnects children undergoing cancer treatment with the natural environment through accessible, nature-based educational resources focused on native Western Australian plants and ecosystems. Led by Dr Janene Sproul, the project responds to the reality that children in oncology care often spend long periods in highly controlled clinical environments where access to plants, gardens and natural elements is restricted.

The initiative brings together eight interconnected projects, including the Taxonomy Tournament, Nature Cuddlebooks, Forever Flowering Gardens, decodable readers, digital ecosystem games, community garden learning and dieback action programs. These resources are designed for use across hospital, school, home and community settings, supporting wellbeing, learning continuity and ecological literacy.

Developed through interdisciplinary collaboration and in partnership with Aboriginal Elders on Country, the project embeds First Nations knowledge, language and cultural permissions alongside scientific learning. It demonstrates how education, healthcare and community action can work together to support children’s wellbeing, environmental stewardship and connection to place.