This is the aim of an award-winning research project being carried out by the University of Derby into the relationship between people and the rest of the natural world, referred to as “nature connectedness”.
By improving this relationship with nature the hope is that we’ll take more care and make decisions that support the rest of the natural world to thrive. The study has shown that, “The human relationship with the rest of nature matters for our well-being, yet the climate and environment emergency shows that the human relationship with the rest of nature is broken. To fix it we need a new more connected relationship that recognises that we are part of nature. By understanding and improving people’s connection to nature, we aim to bring about associated benefits in wellbeing and conservation behaviour”.
Five ways to connect with nature
To achieve “nature connectedness” the study suggests we need to go beyond just ‘being’ in nature and start noticing and feeling it on a deeper level and celebrating and caring for it in a new way. The research suggests five ‘pathways’ that help people to achieve this;
- Senses – experience nature using all your senses.
Top tips: Try tuning in to the sights and sounds of spring when you’re next out and about in nature. What new flowers do you notice blossoming in your local park? With the mornings getting lighter, get up extra early to catch the glorious bird song of the dawn chorus. Savour the sweet smell of freshly cut grass and then take your shoes and socks off to feel the grass between your toes. Spring is a great time to forage wild garlic and make something delicious. Check out these tips on how to find wild garlic, what to do with it and how to forage responsibly.
- Emotion – feeling alive through the emotions and feelings nature brings.
Top tips: Think about what it is you love about nature. What brings you joy, gives you the ‘wow’ factor and makes you feel in awe? What is it about nature that makes you feel calm or wild and silly? Release your inner child and jump in that puddle, roll down the hill, climb a tree. Lie on the grass and watch the shape of the clouds and spend time watching birds on a bird feeder. Ultimately find what you love about nature, seek out these things and reflect on how it makes you feel.
3. Beauty – noticing nature’s beauty.
Top tips: Look for the beauty in nature; an awe-inspiring view, the beauty of a shell up close, a spider’s web glistening in the sun. Sometimes we can find and appreciate beauty in the most unexpected places. Getting up close to nature can uncover new and surprising things. Have you ever felt the spongy softness of a moss covered tree or discovered the beauty of a bird’s feather up close? Get creative and take a photo to capture its beauty, paint or draw a picture or try writing a poem or story using nature’s beauty as your inspiration.
- Meaning – nature bringing meaning to our lives.
Top tips: What does nature mean to you? Notice what you look for in nature that signals the hope of spring or the comfort of winter? Do you have a favourite memory of the first time you saw the sun rise or spotted a bird of prey? Nature will mean different things to all of us and we can seek out new meanings and create new memories through nature. Try keeping a gratitude journal where you write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day and include nature in your list to reflect and appreciate what it means to you.
- Compassion – caring and taking action for nature.
Top tips: Helping nature might feel easier and more important in our daily lives if we show it the same compassion we would for ourselves or our friends and family (as we are all part of nature). Try setting yourself some small goals to attract more wildlife to your garden and feel the satisfaction when you’re finished. Have a go at making a recycled bird feeder or a mini pond and enjoy watching what wildlife visits you.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust have also produced a handy Wetlands and wellbeing guide for spring/summer with more practical tips and ideas to help you connect to nature.
Find what works for you and put these tips into practice at these incredible places in Carmarthenshire (we are really are spoilt for choice):
- The spectacularly scenic coastline easily accessible from the Millennium Coastal Path
- The Green Flag awarded woodlands of Pembrey Country Park
Or discover something different and support nature by becoming a member of; National Botanic Garden of Wales, Aberglasney gardens, Llanelli Wetland Centre and Dinefwr, National Trust.
