Connection to nature

Connection to nature is about our attitude towards the natural world.

So far, research has shown a clear link between connection to nature and a person's wellbeing. 

People who feel a stronger sense of connection are more likely to feel happy and fulfilled. In contrast, a lack of connection to nature may have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing. 

Connection to nature is how much we see ourselves as part of nature or separate from it. 

Connecting with nature at a deeper level can help keep us healthy and protect the world around us. It can help us address climate change, wildlife loss and declining mental health. 

 

“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

David Attenborough


Connection to nature and care farms

Care farms provide many opportunities for people to connect with nature.

Farming activities that deepen connection to nature could benefit both service users and our natural environment. 

Care farmers can foster a connection with nature. This might be by using art, stories or by observing and recording nature through the seasons.  

Measuring nature connectedness over time could help show the effectiveness of care farming in impact assessments. 

For more information on connection to nature, please take a look at our resources. 


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Care farming around the world

Care farming or social farming has been practiced around the world in different ways for generations. Modern understanding of care farming is growing globally. 

Health and wellbeing benefits of care farming

There has been much research published on the health and wellbeing benefits of green care interventions. Explore our resources to find out more. 

Economic benefits of care farming and green care

As well as improving the health and wellbeing, research shows that care farming and green care can benefit local and national economies.

Nature and health

There's a growing body of research that demonstrates that spending time in nature is good for us. Learn more about nature and health research.