Inclusive Innovation through a SETU project with Sports Active Wexford
Immersive Nature Walks for All
The Nature Walker mobile app, developed by the Extended Reality (XR) team at Walton Institute in SETU opens nature trails to people who are otherwise unable to access them due to physical or psychological impairments. Using 360-degree video, immersive soundscapes, and intuitive navigation, the app delivers a guided walking experience through stunning natural trails like Tintern Woods, helping users experience nature virtually—and potentially prepare them for real-world visits.
The collaboration brought together Sports Active Wexford, Wexford Mental Health Services, and SETU to address barriers to physical activity and promote inclusion through AR/VR innovation.
‘The Nature Walker App is a brilliant example of collaboration and innovation. It’s not just a digital tool—it’s changing lives.’
Fran Ronan, Sports Active Wexford Coordinator
Designed with the User, for the User
Sports Active Wexford engaged with SETU’s Walton Institute with the idea of using immersive technologies to promote engagement with the outdoors. The Walton XR team worked closely with occupational therapists, mental health professionals and service users in a co-design process to shape the app’s content and functionality.
The app includes features such as:
- Platform-agnostic design (Android and iOS)
- 360-degree nature trail videos
- Motion-matched virtual locomotion
- Immersive soundscapes, enhancing relaxation and focus
- Solo and guided video options, including Forest Bathing experiences
By supporting familiarity with outdoor environments before visiting, the app aligns with Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, reducing anxiety and building user confidence.
“We’re proud to present a mobile app that encourages walking, enhances accessibility, and reflects feedback from our service users. It’s about technology with purpose.
Stephen Barnes, Senior Project Manager, XR Team, Walton Institute
Recognition, Impact, and Future Phases
The app was recognised nationally, winning the .ie Digital Town Awards (Digital Communities) category in 2024. It was presented at Euro’Meet 2024 in Lecco, Italy, and shared with stakeholders such as Sport Ireland and Beyond Horizons later that year.
User feedback showed increased satisfaction, resilience and motivation to engage with nature and it was used to support the formation of the Woodlands for Health group in Wexford. SETU’s engagement in this project demonstrates the university’s role in inclusive innovation, applying immersive tech to solve real-world challenges and promote wellbeing through digital inclusion.
This project is part-funded by the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027.
