UK ranks near the bottom for connection to nature, Anglia Ruskin University study finds

New research led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has found that UK adults experience less of a connection with nature than adults from most other countries, ranking 59th out of 65 national groups surveyed.

The study, including data from 56,968 adults aged 18-99, found that levels of connection with nature are associated with several socioeconomic and demographic factors across countries.

Led by Professor Viren Swami, of ARU, the study involved more than 250 academics from over 60 countries and is published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology.

Prof Swami 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 wellbeing and mental health, and of course there are physical health benefits from spending time outdoors in nature. The significant associations with financial wealth, being better educated, and being part of the racial majority within a particular country reflect known socioeconomic inequities in terms of lack of access to natural environments.

“Racial minorities may also experience natural environments differently, for example in terms of a sense of belonging, and this can impact on people’s attitude to nature and their desire to access it.

“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.”

The UK was ranked 59th out of 65 on the Connectedness to Nature Scale, which asks participants to rate statements such as “I often feel a sense of oneness with the natural world around me”, “I have a deep understanding of how my actions affect the natural world”, and “I often feel part of the web of life”.

However, the UK scored better on the Nature Exposure Scale, which measures people’s contact with nature around their home and work, their recreational visits and their nature awareness.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Lithuania were the leading three countries.

The top 10 nations on the Nature Exposure Scale were all European, with the exception of French-speaking Canadians.

The UK was 31st out of 65, and the bottom three nations were Lebanon, South Korea and Brazil.