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'Nature and Me'-Part II: ‘A new guide to strengthening the relationship between people and nature.’

Photo: INTIMINA

Continuing our study of ‘Nature and Me’, I am delighted to draw your attention to a recent research on how to strengthen and solidify the relationship between people and nature.

However, before highlighting this study, I would like to recall our earlier presentation on ‘Nature and Me’ which was about Educating the Heart and the Soul of Children to Build a Better World. Please if you have not read this piece already, do so, as it will be very helpful to a better understanding of what is to follow.

Photo: National Trust Images/Rob Coleman, Via Finding Nature: Nature Connectedness Research Blog by Prof. Miles Richardson 

‘Nature and Me – a new guide to strengthening the relationship between people and nature.’

‘The warming climate and loss of wildlife show that our relationship with nature has been failing. However, during the restrictions to control the coronavirus pandemic people have turned to nature. This brings hope that people are ready for a new relationship with nature. During our work with the National Trust we’ve been thinking about, and actively building those new relationships with nature. A closer connection with nature that can boost the wellbeing of people and the wellbeing of the natural world we inhabit.

‘We want to share what we’ve learnt far and wide. So we’ve launched Nature and Me. A short guide with suggestions on how to get close to nature and the benefits this can bring. Nature and Me has two parts. Understanding the human-nature relationship and a guide to practically improving that relationship. It is based on research by the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group and experiences at National Trust places.

‘Part one introduces the concept of nature connectedness, the level of an individual’s relationship with nature. A summary of some of the research findings is then introduced. How life feels good when people have a strong connection with nature. How it’s possible to feel close to nature in towns and cities. How people who feel more connectedness are more likely to protect nature. How teenagers fall out of love with nature, and most adults do not notice nature. The guide then introduces the five pathways to nature connection, a practical framework to inform the design of experiences in nature.

‘Part two shows that framework at work, using examples from National Trust places to explain how to rethink the approach to nature engagement. How that shifted from what people understand about a place, to the way people experience a place. This new mindset yielded powerful results. From the way places were managed, their habitats and views, to approaches to wellbeing that were more meaningful and mindful. The approach informed learning and education too, with remarkable results. The pathways helped in the celebration and sharing of nature conservation work and outdoor activities for children and adults.

We hope the guide is only the beginning. There are so many ways we can apply the five pathways to nature connection. Read the guide and imagine the results if we applied this thinking more broadly, in our schools, workplaces and cities to create a new relationship with nature for human and nature’s wellbeing.’

See the original article HERE

Finding Nature

Download a copy of ‘Nature and Me – a new guide to strengthening the relationship between people and natureHERE

‘Nature's Future Is Our Future’

Photo:nature.org

'A degraded habitat will produce degraded humans. If there is to be any true progress,

then the entire life community must progress.'― Thomas Berry

As our home- the planet earth- faces the most dangerous century in its 4.5bn-year history, we look to Mother Nature for her wise and passionate guidance on what the future holds for our ​Sacred​ Mother Earth and us all. 

A selection of similar readings from our archive for your interest 

Saving the Web of Life

Envisioning the Future of our Children’s Education

Rethinking Education at the Time of Coronavirus Crisis: The Time is Now to Explore the Benefits of Nature-Based Education in Our Teaching Models

Nature the Best Teacher: Re-Connecting the World’s Children with Nature

Detaching Nature from Economics is ‘Burning the Library of Life’

Education to Make us Human: What’s Kindness, Love, Compassion, or Beauty Got to Do With Teaching and Education?

Desperately seeking Sophia: The Wisdom of Nature

A timeless reflection on two types of teaching and learning

What They Forget to Teach You at School’: Fix Education to Fix the World

Poetry is the Education that Nourishes the Heart and Nurtures the Soul 

What if Universities Taught KINDNESS?

Why should we all become mother nature and sacred earth guardians

On the 250th Birthday of William Wordsworth Let Nature be our Wisest Teacher

Mother Earth is Crying: A Path to Spiritual Ecology and Sustainability

Biomimicry: Learning from Nature

To Heal the World and People We Need to Save the Commons from Plunder

Are you physically and emotionally drained? I know of a good and cost-free solution!

Love Letter to the Earth

A Sure Path to build a Better World: How nature helps us feel good and do good

On the 250th Birthday of William Wordsworth Let Nature be our Wisest Teacher