‘At the beach’: the role of place(s) and natural landscape in facilitating a sense of home during settlement

Abstract

ABSTRACT For residents on the rural island of Newfoundland, Canada, the island’s natural landscape and environment play an important role in shaping one’s sense of belonging to place. Within this article I explore the integral role that place(s) across the island’s natural landscape play in shaping Syrian humanitarian migrants’ feelings of belonging and home. Particular natural place(s) can create spaces for peace, sociality and memory formation that aid feelings of place-attachment. This article expands upon concepts of nostalgia by arguing that places of the natural environment can play both a ‘reflective’ and ‘restorative’ role to support the rebuilding of place-based bonds, due to the social opportunities and positive memories formed within them. By highlighting the role that such place(s) play in supporting the positive settlement of Syrian humanitarian migrants to the island, this article aims to emphasise how place(s) of the natural environment can encourage a sense of home for new arrivals to more regional, rural or remote areas.