Individuals who are more connected to nature have been proven to have greater eudaimonic wellbeing and exhibit greater levels of pro-environmental behaviour.

Nature connectedness is a measurable psychological construct that moves beyond contact with nature to an individual's sense of their relationship with the natural world. We looked at how various Ernest Cook Trust programmes impacted the nature connectedness of the children and young people involved. Qualitative research methods were best at capturing the fuzzier changes in this complex concept and allowed us to develop compelling stories to advance policy-influence goals.

Nature is not everyone’s thing and we should not impose nature connectedness on everyone. However we do need to tackle social injustices that make regular access to, and interaction with nature, a privilege rather than a right.

Watch the Strategic Storytelling here: Core Story 1 webpage link