Study reveals UK adults lack connection with nature
One Planet News: We need a greater connection to nature and fast
By Annette J Beveridge
A new report stipulates that adults in the UK have a reduced connection to nature. This is in comparison with adults from other countries.
The UK ranked at number 59 out of 65 national groups, and the project included data from 56,968 people aged between 18 and 99. Results revealed demographic and socioeconomic factors.
250 Academics from more than 60 countries took part and Professor Viren Swami of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), led the study.
She said: "Spending time in a natural environment can provide a number of really important benefits.
"My previous research has shown how being in green spaces, blue environments, such as by rivers or the coast, and even snowy landscapes can improve different facets of psychological well-being and mental health. Of course, there are physical health benefits from spending time outdoors in nature.”
The UK scored better on the Nature Exposure section which relates to the contact people have with nature awareness, nature near them at home or work and included recreational visits. The UK was ranked 31 out of 65.
The bottom three nations were Lebanon, South Korea, and Brazil.
Professor Viren Swami added: “Unfortunately, barriers to accessing nature exist in countries across the world and it is important these barriers are broken down to allow people from all backgrounds to access and enjoy the benefits of natural spaces."
Women rated higher for nature exposure and nature connectedness than men and the findings resonate with previous research material. The connection to nature seemed to increase with age and with greater opportunities to enjoy or engage with the natural world.
Increased scores were connected to where people live such as: residing in a rural area, having a higher level of education, being in a committed or stable relationship and finally, having greater financial security made a difference too.
The study also revealed that being part of a racial majority helped.
In the UK, nature is declining at serious rates with nearly one in six species at risk so if the research study is true, then we need to improve our connection with nature and fast.
Results were published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
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