Spending time in nature makes us feel happier and research shows it can even help us live longer. Can it also help us tackle climate change?
The role of nature in climate action
How community projects can transform our connection to nature
Community projects of all shapes and sizes can play a huge role in helping create and nurture meaningful and sustainable behaviour change.
Through our latest research project, we’re working closely with community nature projects to identify the different characteristics and pathways that connect people with nature.
Research has suggested that connecting people to nature can lead to people to take part in everyday behaviours that can help look after it, such as walking instead of taking the car, recycling, and growing your own food.
This sense of connection is known as nature connectedness and relates to the relationship we have with nature, including the emotions we attach to it and how we view it as part of our identity.
Our level of nature connectedness can change over time and isn’t just about how much time we spend in green spaces. There are many ways this connection can deepen, including through art and music.
Here’s how you can boost nature connection in your activities
Research has found there are five key pathways that can support people to feel more connected to nature - Our senses, emotion, beauty, meaning and compassion
Senses - Actively engaging with nature using our senses, such as listening to birdsong, smelling flowers and feeling the different textures of plants and soil.
Emotion - Engaging emotionally with nature. Experiencing the joy and calm that nature can bring and sharing feelings and experiences about nature with others.
Beauty - Taking time to appreciate the beauty in nature and engaging with it through art, music or in words.
Meaning - Exploring and expressing how nature brings meaning to life, such as in songs and stories, poems and art, or by celebrating the signs and cycles of nature.
Compassion - Caring for nature. Taking part in actions that support and care for nature, such as creating homes for wildlife, supporting conservation charities and rethinking our shopping habits.