Connection to Nature: evidence briefing (EIN015)

Connection to nature refers to an individual’s subjective sense of their relationship with the natural world. There is emerging evidence that connection to nature is associated with certain wellbeing, educational outcomes and pro-environmental behaviours. A variety of factors may have a role in the development of connection to nature including contact with the natural world, childhood experience, certain interventions, and socio-cultural status. Connection to nature may be an important influence on other environmental behaviours, practices and beliefs. Currently the evidence base is small (this is likely due to the relatively recent interest in assessing and understanding connection to nature) and much of the existing research is drawn from the types of studies which cannot reveal direction of effect and causality. The evidence is further limited by the lack of adjustment for potential cofounders, lack of consideration of longer term outcomes, and use of a-typical sample populations. These factors limit our current understanding of connection to nature and definite conclusions cannot be drawn. Further robust research is needed to inform potential delivery and intervention options. Please see EIN016 for methodology, glossary and evaluation resources.