- Physically & psychologically reconnecting with nature can be beneficial for human health and well-being
- It encourages individuals to behave in ways to protect the health of the planet
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Plymouth, Natural England, the University of Exeter and University of Derby, and is the first to investigate - within a single study - the contribution of both nature contact and connection to human health, well-being and pro-environmental behaviors.
The findings are based on responses to the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) survey, commissioned by Natural England as part of DEFRA’s social science research program. The team looked at people’s engagement with nature through access to green space, nature visits and the extent to which they felt psychologically connected to the natural world.
Lead author Leanne Martin, of the University of Plymouth, said: "In the context of increasing urbanization, it is important to understand how engagement with our planet’s natural resources relate to human health and behavior. Our results suggest that physically and psychologically reconnecting with nature can be beneficial for human health and well-being, and at the same time encourages individuals to act in ways which protect the health of the planet."
Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England added: "It’s a top priority for Natural England to unlock the potential of the natural environment to help address the challenges we are facing as a society: poor physical health and mental well-being; the climate change crisis and the devastating loss of wildlife."