Psychologists tell us that relationships matter, but Dr Ali Foxon puts the focus on a relationship few of us consider – the one we have with nature. As a scientist, she became frustrated with a purely logical approach to understanding the natural world and found joy in the rediscovery of an earlier passion: sketching. Now a professional artist, she advocates a concept called ‘green sketching’, a way to absorb and appreciate beauty around us. The talk contains beautiful sketches and photographs. Dr Ali Foxon is passionate about using sketching to discover and connect with nature. She is currently collaborating with psychology researchers at the University of Derby on a series of projects investigating green sketching as a way to improve nature connectedness. She is the founder of Boggy Doodles, a social enterprise promoting green sketching for wellbeing, environmental engagement and education.
This talk was delivered at TEDxBollington on 16 June 2019 and was curated by Sara Knowles. The theme was ‘The Art of Connection’ and is inspired by Bollington’s community - it draws upon how we connect with others, the landscape, our past, present and future. Connections and contrasts inspire and define us as a community. Our speakers convey the art of connection through diverse forms such as communication, design, science, mindfulness, mental health and wellbeing through to the environment and technology.
Ali is passionate about using sketching to discover and connect with nature. She is currently collaborating with psychology researchers at the University of Derby on a series of projects investigating green sketching as a way to improve nature connectedness. She is the founder of Boggy Doodles, a social enterprise promoting green sketching for wellbeing, environmental engagement and education. Ali studied geography and completed a masters in geochronology at Oxford University. She later gained a PhD, funded by five UK nature conservation organisations, at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. She has worked as a climate change advisor in the water industry, a researcher with IUCN and a scientific editor with the United Nations Environment Programme. Ali sells her nature-inspired artwork locally and internationally and has designed a range of cards for the National Trust. She lives in Bollington with her family. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
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