There’s no wellbeing without nature’s wellbeing. Climate warming and wildlife loss show that the existing relationship between people and the rest of nature is failing. Through a focus on nature connectedness, this free, online short course will show how we can build a new relationship with nature – for the wellbeing of both people and the rest of the natural world.
The Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby is leading the development of ground-breaking evidence that explains what nature connectedness is, how it can be measured, its benefits for human and environmental wellbeing – and, importantly, how it can be improved. This free MOOC covers that work.
The Nature Connectedness MOOC – for human and nature’s wellbeing
The course provides an opportunity for you to learn about nature connectedness and the value of having a strong relationship with nature. Made up of eight short units, the course encourages you to actively consider our relationships with nature, for our own well-being as well as for the longer-term benefit of nature and the natural world.
- Unit 1 – What is Nature Connectedness?
- Unit 2 – Why Nature Connectedness Matters: People
- Unit 3 – Why Nature Connectedness Matters: Wider Nature
- Unit 4 – Improving Nature Connectedness: Noticing
- Unit 5 – Improving Nature Connectedness: The pathways framework
- Unit 6 – Pathways Case Studies
- Unit 7 – Using the Pathways Framework and Evaluation
- Unit 8 – Scaling up – Societal Application of the Pathways
During the course, you will look at why nature connectedness matters and how it can be improved. You’ll learn about our Pathways to Nature Connectedness Framework and will look at how you can use this framework to positively impact our connections with nature, pro-nature and environmental behaviours and our wellbeing.
The course content is informed by nationally recognised research and written by Professor Miles Richardson, a Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness, together with colleagues from the Nature Connectedness Research Group.
The course is open to anyone and will be of particular interest to those who feel passionate about mental wellbeing, nature and pro-nature behaviours. Those completing the course will gain:
- An understanding of the psychological construct of nature connectedness
- An understanding of why nature connectedness matters for human and nature’s wellbeing
- An understanding of how to improve nature connectedness
You can find out more and sign up for the nature connectedness MOOC here.
Finding Nature 
I am really enjoying this MOOC on Nature Connectedness. It fits so well with my own ethos and career path, it has really highlighted some of the recent research that backs up what I can see on the ground, as it were.
Looking forward to discovering more as I go through the course.