A new report connects mental health, nature and equality. Here are the key takeaways and how we can help you be more nature connected.
Key findings
Some of the takeaways that particularly resonated for us here at The Human Nature Partnership are:
- “High quality natural spaces are better for us and our wellbeing.” Think about the biodiversity value of the greening you might do, or spaces you might visit, if you want the biggest benefits.
- “People with good nature connectedness tend to be happier”. And even better, you can cultivate a personal relationship with nature through simple actions that can be practiced anywhere.
- “Nature is everywhere, but high quality nature isn’t available equally.” As we have pointed out previously, nature access is an equality issue. It is essential to bring nature to the places that people live, especially disadvantaged communities.
Of course, Local green space, gardens and other forms of natural environment have been critical during the last year. Nearly half (45%) of people surveyed in the UK said that “visiting green spaces, such as parks, helped them to cope throughout the pandemic”.
All this makes us hopeful that recommendations in the report – although in many ways not new – may finally fall on fertile ground. Things like weaving nature into the secondary school curriculum to avoid the nature connectedness ‘dip’ that happens in teenage years. Bringing nature into urban areas; improving safety and access. Prioritising biodiversity gain through the planning system and Government target setting.
How we can help
Speak to us at The Human Nature Partnership if you want practical, informed help with all this. We can help you to:
- Design ecologically meaningful green space in homes, offices and wider environments
- Understand practical steps your organisation can take to benefit from nature connection
- Access science-based practices to help you get the most wellbeing from your time in nature.