Following our previous handbooks, which offer an introduction to connecting people with nature, and helping organisations and communities connect with nature, we are delighted to launch our newest guide – Nature Connection in Schools, a comprehensive and practical resource designed to help educators foster meaningful relationships between children and the natural world.

In a time of rising childhood mental health challenges and environmental crises, this guide offers a hopeful and evidence-based response. It draws on the latest research to show how nature connection can support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and pro-environmental behaviours in children. More than just outdoor play, nature connection is about cultivating a deep, emotional bond with the natural world—one that enhances both personal and planetary health.

The handbook is tailored for teachers, school leaders, governors, and early years practitioners. It provides:

• A clear explanation of what nature connection is and why it matters.
• Practical steps and activities for embedding nature connection into school life.
• Insights from the UK’s first biophilic school.
• Evidence-based principles for fostering nature connectedness across age groups.

Central to the guide is the concept that connection is about moments, not minutes, and feeling, not facts. It introduces the “Pathways to Nature Connectedness”—senses, emotion, beauty, meaning, and compassion—as a framework for designing impactful nature-based experiences. From sensory walks and nature art to student-led environmental campaigns, the guide offers adaptable activities for both primary and secondary settings.

Importantly, the handbook also explores how nature connection can be embedded into school policies, culture, and physical environments. It includes practical tips for creating nature-rich spaces, even in urban schools, and highlights how small changes—like seasonal celebrations or biophilic design elements—can make a big difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing initiatives, Nature Connection in Schools is a valuable tool for anyone looking to enrich children’s lives through nature. By helping young people build lasting relationships with the natural world, we can nurture happier, healthier students—and a more sustainable future.

Richardson, M., Barnes, C. & Owen, K. (2025). Nature Connection in Schools. University of Derby.