Sam in a Mexica river immersion

Diminishing connection to the natural world has been linked to environmental destruction and an erosion of human mental health. This disconnect has been linked to a number of societal, social and individual psychological factors, with an ‘extinction of experience’ highlighted as one consequence of these. This is underpinned by diminished day-to-day interactions with elements of nature which are key to catalysing connection. This holds particular relevance to the UK, with recent research reporting that the UK ranked 59th for average nature connectedness out of 65 national groups surveyed.

A growing recognition of the importance of nature to our mental health and wellbeing is evidenced by increasing adoption of green prescriptions and health perspectives such as “one health” and “ecological health”. These consist of a wider lens of view of health and wellbeing, beyond the individual, considering the health of the wider environment and ecosystem in which that individual is a part.

However, confusion over the terminology used – such as nature contact and nature connectedness – appears to be rife. This applies not just to the general public, but also imbues academic and clinical circles. In the words of Dr Tim Rigg, a GP based in Frome who is a proponent of green social prescribing:

"While there is clear appreciation of the potential significant role for green social prescribing with many fellow GPs, there is a noticeable gap in understanding between the benefits of nature connection rather than nature contact.

While this does not diminish the profound impact that GSP's [green social prescriptions] can have, further education and practical experience is needed for clinicians to attain embodied understanding so that the full benefits of nature connection can then be realised for patients."

What is nature connectedness?

Nature connectedness (or relatedness) has been defined by Professor Miles Richardson – who heads the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby – as "a realisation of our shared place in nature – how we experience the world here and now; our emotional response, beliefs, and attitudes towards nature". It encompasses an individual's mindset or personal relationship with nature, and the degree to which it forms part of their personal identity or worldview. It is much more relational than rational or knowledge based, being largely experiential and emotional. The way in which we interact with the natural world forms the foundation of our connection to nature.

Nature connectedness researcher and ecologist Dr Matthew Zylstra described it as comprising "not just contact with nature, but the nature of the contact." It is much more than simply being in nature, being underpinned by how we interact with it. Nature connectedness is tied to the sense of being part of the wider interconnected web of life that makes up the natural world. While it is underpinned by a foundation of nature contact, it is something more complex and multifaceted than this alone, comprising aspects of direct experience, emotions and cognition. However not all contact with nature necessarily catalyses a deeper connection to it.

https://youtu.be/dBKe3Xac\-w4?si=AK4soR1fLGFiQ\_xZ

What underpins nature connectedness?

A connection to nature is built on a foundation of actively noticing and sensorially engaging with nature, rather than more passive or superficial interactions. It encompasses the difference between hearing birdsong and actively listening to it. Research by the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby has revealed five important pathways to nature connection: sensory contact with nature; the emotions evoked by nature; appreciating nature’s beauty; nature bringing a sense of life meaning; and having compassion for nature.

Research has also highlighted that this connection is tied to meaningful moments in nature. In other words, the quality of our interaction with nature is more important than the quantity of time we spend in nature when it comes to cultivating connection. Regular, repeated active engagements with nature appear central to catalysing a connection to nature in a deep and sustained way.

Sam & chameleon - nature connectedness is tied to actively noticing nature - and moments rather than minutes matter.

The difference between nature contact and connection

While nature contact and connection can and do overlap, this is not a given, and the two terms are each referring to something quite distinct. Nature contact encompasses any human interaction with a biophysical system, including wildlife and geology. In such contact, the natural setting may form an arena or backdrop for a broad range of outdoor activities. Another way of framing this is that it is possible to have contact with nature without actively connecting to it. Nature connectedness also partly hinges on an internal relationship or mindset towards nature, in comparison to nature contact which is more externally oriented.

Another notable difference between nature contact and nature connectedness is that only nature connectedness is associated with pro-nature behaviours. This is because an erosion of nature connectedness encompasses the fractured human-nature relationship that underpins environmental issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change. While nature contact is a necessary first step to cultivating a deeper connection with nature, contact alone is not sufficient to shift behaviours and potentially usher in a more sustainable or regenerative future.

Figure expressing a representation of research findings pertaining to nature contact and connection, highlighting that both nature contact and connection benefit human wellbeing, but only nature connection benefits both people and nature. Image courtesy of Prof. Miles Richardson and his Finding Nature blogpost ‘Nature Contact is not Connection’

The health benefits of nature connection and contact

The health effects of nature contact and connection overlap to some degree, but each has distinct benefits. Nature contact has been associated with a range of general mental and physical health benefits, and a broad body of research highlights being in nature benefits our mood, wellbeing, cognition, working memory, spatial memory attention, visual attention, reasoning, fluency, intelligence and creativity. Nature contact may consist of a broad range of activities such as going on a stroll, jog or bike ride, camping, canoeing, or having a picnic in a park, among many others.

However, more passive or superficial interactions with nature will place a cap on the potential benefits it can yield. By actively connecting to and engaging with nature (such as through wildlife watching, gardening, journalling and photography, or undertaking steps to restore nature), an additional range of benefits are unlocked. Nature connectedness has been strongly linked to a greater sense of eudaimonic well-being (feeling one is living a life of meaning), in addition to vitality, life satisfaction, personal growth, psychological resilience, enhanced emotional regulation and psychological functioning, lower levels of anxiety, innovative and holistic thinking, and various indicators of happiness.

While distinct, one's connection with nature does interact with contact with it. People with a deeper connection to nature place greater value on having contact with nature, and are likely to spend more time outdoors in nature, or adopt nature-centric lifestyle choices or hobbies. Nature connectedness also acts as a mediator for some of the benefits to mood and cognition yielded by nature contact, and those expressing deeper levels of nature connection are more likely to report lower levels of stress and anxiety following contact with nature, when compared to those with a weaker connection to nature.

Mexico waterfalls

Amending a fractured connection

Not only is a connection to nature vital for our well-being, tackling the environmental issues we face as a species isn’t viable without an urgent reappraisal of our relationship with the natural world. In essence, cultivating a deeper relationship with nature is simple, with the foundation of this connection resting on our awareness and attention, and where we choose to put it. So when you’re next out and about, take a moment to tune into the world around you.

Jay on hand Vancouver Island

Resources

The Blackbird's Song & Other Wonders of Nature: A year-round guide to connecting with the natural world by Miles Richardson.

Nature connectedness and its relevance to healthy social-ecological systems – Dr Matthew Zylstra.

Nature Connectedness: For a New Relationship with Nature – a free, online short course provided by the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby.

Wylder | The New Wellbeing App to Connect to Nature