Finding Nature

Our latest research paper, published in Landscape and Urban Planning, explores which environmental features make us feel most connected to nature. This study highlights the potential of landscape planning and design in addressing the growing disconnection between humans and the natural world.

The study took a new approach, using network analysis to dig into the features that shape our nature connection experiences. We asked 205 people in the UK to recall four moments when they felt connected to nature, noting what they saw around them—like wild animals, mountains, or even paved roads—and how connected they felt. By mapping these features as a network, we could see which ones matter most and how they interact.

The features that stood out most positively in our network were those tied to wild, rural landscapes—think nice weather, wild nature, meadows, mountains, and both small and large animals, alongside oceans. These elements were consistently present in people’s most nature-connected moments, suggesting they have a unique power to draw us closer to the natural world. Rivers, ponds, trails, sand, and plants also had a positive influence, though their impact was less pronounced compared to the wilder features.

The most notable positive members of the network (see figure) were nice weather, wild nature, meadows, mountains, small and large animals, and oceans. In essence, these features were highly and uniquely present in peoples’ nature-connection experiences. Rivers, ponds, trails, sand, and plants had a medium positive influence, but their importance was notably weaker than the aforementioned items.

The detailed situation network of environmental features that impact nature connectedness.

Note. Nodes: Larger nodes indicate greater importance; Green nodes had a positive importance; Red nodes had a negative importance for connectedness. Edges: Thicker bands indicate stronger relationships; Green bands indicate a positive relationship; Red bands indicate a negative relationship. Label colour: The colour of labels was determined by the cluster assignment derived from the network community structure.

On the other hand, the features that most disrupted nature connection were clear signs of human presence—paved roads, motor vehicles, and trash were the biggest culprits, often absent from people’s nature-connected experiences. Poor weather, technology, and human-made buildings also had a negative effect, though less strongly.

Key Takeaways for a Greener Future

So, what does this mean for designing spaces that reconnect us with nature? First, it’s clear we need more rewilding—bringing back wild spaces with animals and rugged landscapes, not just adding more urban parks. Limiting human-made features is just as crucial. Think fewer buildings, roads, and litter in natural spaces—perhaps through zoning or “do not disturb” campaigns. Trails are a great addition—in fact, they were the most central part of the network, meaning they seemed to help people engage with the other important wilder features. But things like benches or signs? They’re less important and might even make a space feel too human if overdone.

For urban areas, where wild nature isn’t always an option, we can still make a difference. The trick is to make parks feel wilder—using trees to hide buildings or muffle noise, creating quiet, untamed corners while balancing safety concerns. It’s not just about adding more trees or meadows; it’s about crafting spaces that let us feel immersed in nature, even in the city.

Why This Matters

These findings give landscape planners and policymakers a roadmap to strengthen our bond with nature. By focusing on wild, rural features and dialling back human impact, we can create environments that not only support biodiversity but also nurture our well-being. It’s a reminder that nature connection isn’t just about access—it’s about the quality of the experience. What features make you feel closest to nature? Let’s keep exploring how we can design a world where nature and people thrive together.

Lengieza, M. L., Richardson, M. & Hughes, J. P. (2025). Feature networks: The environmental features that are central to nature- connectedness experiences. Landscape and Urban Planning doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2025.105362

A guest blog by Mia Morgan

At the start of my PhD, I wrote a blog questioning the role nature connectedness could play in supporting people experiencing disordered eating (DE). I also outlined the ways I planned to develop a programme encouraging nature connection, specifically for people experiencing these symptoms. Two years on and I’m thrilled to have learnt about the wide range of ways nature connection can support this population and used this information to develop a prototype of the programme. This blog will briefly take you through this journey and then introduce some exciting opportunities for both people currently experiencing disordered eating and for professionals interested in incorporating nature into their DE services/practice.

I will not detail specific findings from my PhD studies, in an attempt to avoid leading anyone who would like to take up the opportunities below.

The first stage of this project was about understanding what research and knowledge already existed around how nature can support disordered eating recovery. This is why I carried out a review of current studies in this area. I’ve submitted this review for publication, so it will hopefully be available to all soon. Here, I started to build a picture of the various ways nature could influence different aspects of eating psychopathology. What I found interesting was that nature connection was involved in nearly all of these mechanisms, but a nature connection intervention specifically for people experiencing DE was yet to be designed.

There was still more to learn on this topic however, particularly because of the lack of research into first-hand perspectives and experiences of how nature can be a part of people’s recovery journeys. Therefore, to explore this, I carried out fifteen interviews with people with lived experience of disordered eating and five focus groups with professionals who support this population. The results were unbelievably insightful. Though I cannot detail specific findings on the ranging benefits nature can have for this population, I can say that (after reviewing previous literature and listening to the experiences and views of participants) as well as being a potential way to manage DE symptoms, nature connection can broaden people’s perspectives beyond the narrow focus on themselves and their DE thoughts. This can encourage people to see a life beyond these worries and feel a part of something much bigger. Engaging with nature gives people permission to refrain from ‘doing’ or ‘achieving’, encouraging the act of being a little bit more in the moment.

Another, exciting part of this project was (during the abovementioned interviews and focus groups) asking people how an optimal nature connection programme for this population would look. In other words, the design of the programme… would a 1:1, group or self-led format be better? Was there anything that would put people off engaging completely? What would optimise people’s ability to want to be involved and stay engaged? Again, these findings were brilliant and showed various ways a nature programme could be designed for this population.

Although, I cannot disclose too much yet, I can say that the programme we have designed uses a self-led format. It adopts the five pathways to nature connection (see image below), giving people simple weekly activities that can be easily incorporated into their everyday lives, including at times which feel tough. All the activities are designed or adapted specifically for people with DE. Opportunity for choice is incorporated, including choice of the activities themselves but also when and where these are carried out. There is no need to travel anywhere special to perform the activities, they can be done in people’s gardens, balconies, local park etc. Some activities also have versions that can be carried out indoors. There are also invitations to reflect on experiences related to the programme. Centrally, this a very inclusive programme, that does not discriminate in terms of how severe someone’s DE symptoms are or how much experience they have in engaging and connecting with nature. It meets people where they are and welcomes everyone!

Opportunity 1- for people currently experiencing disordered eating:

Would you like to try out an early version of the programme I have described above? Or are interested in finding out more? I’m very excited to say that we are now inviting people who self-identify as experiencing disordered eating (of any severity, you don’t need to have an eating disorder diagnosis) who live in the UK, to try out a 4-week self-led nature connection programme!

This study is delivered online, so you can live anywhere in the UK. Each week you will be invited to carry out several short, simple activities designed to connect you with nature (like I have described above). Activity instructions are simple to follow and are delivered through videos and in writing to ensure you feel supported when carrying out the programme. You will be asked some questions before, during and after the programme, to help with the continued development of the programme!

So, if you are intrigued by the idea of adding nature connection to your coping mechanism toolkit and trying something slightly different, then please consider taking part in this study.

Please email me if you are interested, have any questions or would like to sign up- m.morgan16@unimail.derby.ac.uk

See more information on this opportunity in the flyer below.

Opportunity 2- for professionals interested in/currently incorporating nature into their DE services/practice:

If you are integrating nature into the support you provide people with disordered eating, or are interested in doing so, I would love to hear from you! I’m currently in the early stages of planning ways to build a community of like-minded individuals working in (or inspired by) this space 😊

Please email me- m.morgan16@unimail.derby.ac.uk

Back in March 2015, after a ‘Towards a Daily Dose of Nature’ event during a Nature & Wellbeing Summit in Bristol, I introduced the concept of nature as a ‘dose of nature’ through a graphic depicting ‘nature pills’. This was an exercise to encapsulate the vast benefits of nature on health and wellbeing in a format familiar to many – the drug packet. The idea was compelling; nature, with all its health benefits and positive ‘side effects’, seemed like it should be flying off the shelves. The image went a little viral, but I soon decided to stop using it. Why? Because nature is not a commodity to be consumed at our convenience; it’s not merely an adjunct to our wellbeing but rather a foundation upon which our wellbeing rests.

Copyright Miles Richardson 2015

Nature’s Role in Wellbeing: More Than Just a Dose

The notion of a ‘dose of nature’ frames nature much like any other consumable resource – something to be taken in measured amounts for human benefit. However, this perspective can diminish the profound, intrinsic connection we have with the natural world. Nature isn’t just beneficial for health in isolated “doses”; it’s fundamental to our existence and wellbeing. Nature connection isn’t a part-time relationship.

Connection to nature isn’t just about the frequency of visits or the time spent; it’s about fostering a deep, ongoing relationship. Nature manages our emotions, teaches resilience, and offers a space for reflection and recovery from life’s stresses. For instance, the compassion that comes from virtually embodying nature or the emotional regulation facilitated by being with nature speaks to a connection that transcends the transactional nature of a “dose”.

Reframing Nature’s Role in Healthcare

The biopsychosocial model, as proposed by Engel in 1977, was revolutionary in acknowledging the role of psychological and social factors alongside biological ones in health. However, it’s time to expand this model further so that it reflects the integral role nature plays in our health. Such a one health model suggests that our wellbeing is not just influenced by biology and psychology but is deeply intertwined with our connection to the natural world.

Healthcare models, particularly the biomedical approach, often treat health as merely the absence of disease, focusing on treatment rather than prevention or wellness. But integrating nature into health isn’t just about simply prescribing it like a medication; it’s about normalising nature in our daily lives – but perhaps nature prescriptions can be part of that. If so, it’s important to create a situation where nature is a core component of health education, policy, practice and daily living. This means to including nature’s role in medical training, promoting urban planning that prioritises green environments, and encouraging lifestyles where nature is not an escape but an integral part of our days.

This connection with nature isn’t just for personal wellbeing, it is also essential for sustainable living, where human and environmental health are seen as interdependent. We must move away from the idea of nature as a resource for wellbeing to understanding it as a basic need, akin to nutrition or social connections.

Writing this blog has left me feeling somewhat torn, we must tell the story of nature’s profound impact on our lives in ways that grab attention, while ensuring nature isn’t seen as just another option. It is our origin, our wellbeing, and our future. Rather than reduce it to a pill, better to elevate it to a pillar of health and life.

The Tune into Nature Music Prize aims to celebrate nature and we’ve been listening to entries since early January. The winners have now been announced and they and shortlist the have been featured on BBC Radio and in The Guardian. You can listen to the show on catch-up or try the playlist.

We regularly hear about the climate and biodiversity crises, but fostering hope and forging a new bond with nature is part of the solution. The entrants of the Tune into Nature Music Prize exemplify this, offering music that not only celebrates but also inspires hope through our connection with the natural world.

The competition welcomed entries from musicians and singer/songwriters aged 18-30 whose original work demonstrates a true collaboration with nature including sounds of the natural world. Two entrants, of very different styles, wowed the judges so much that they awarded the prize jointly.

Two entrants, of very different styles, wowed the judges so much that they awarded the prize jointly.

The first winning track, Dawn by Josephine Illingworth, 23, offered total engagement in the sound world of the mountain.

Josephine said “Dawn, Aurora is a piece made from sounds I collected over several weeks of sleeping alone in mountain huts across the Dolomites. Its lyrics are taken from entries left in the guestbooks of these huts by past visitors. It is a tapestry of the memories and experiences taking place across the mountains, and a call for us to see life and movement in things we may think are silent. I am so honoured to be chosen for the Tune Into Nature prize, and I hope that you can listen to the song, and that perhaps it touches you in some way”

The second winning track, Nightingale by Wildforms, aka Dan Cippico, turned mesmeric bird song into a brilliant drum n bass track.

Dan said “I’m excited that the interplay of nature and music is being celebrated by a prize such as this, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity it’s provided for my music – especially to be heard by such an established panel. My track is based upon a Nightingale that I recorded singing in the UK last Spring. It was my first time hearing the bird, and I was instantly inspired by its song, which to me, evoked the Jungle and Drum & Bass music genres that were a major influence on my musical upbringing.”

 Nine other artists were shortlisted for the Prize, including a range of genres from Hip Hop, Rock and Pop to Jazz, Folk and Classical, showing the universal appeal and relevance of nature as a source of inspiration and connection. Here’s a playlist of their and the winners’ tracks.

The BBC has supported the shortlisting and judging process with expertise from their music teams and presenters.  The final tracks were previewed across BBC Radio networks, including Radio 1, 6 Music and Radio 3, which has devoted a special edition of Unclassified to featuring the winners and shortlisted artists, with further airplay planned on Radio 2 and BBC Introducing shows.

Elizabeth Alker, presenter of Radio 3’s new music show Unclassified, said: “Unclassified is a show for artists who work across genres so I’ve really enjoyed being a judge for this prize which welcomes acts from a range of different disciplines. The future of the planet affects us all and it’s been a privilege to hear talented young composers make work which celebrates and advocates for the natural world. Our special ‘Tune Into Nature’ episode of Unclassified is a showcase of all the shortlisted acts and each one deserves to be heard on BBC Radio 3”.

Alongside backing from the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group, the competition is backed by a collaboration of recognised environmental-loving organisations including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Conservation Foundation, EarthPercent and Sounds Right.

As part of the ‘Connected Treescapes‘ project we’ve been exploring the benefits of trees, their governance and how people value them. All to inform the design of future treescapes. The detailed research papers that focus on how trees support wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour are a little way off, but meanwhile we’ve summarised some of the essential findings in the graphic below.

You can see there’s a circle of connection…

• Access
• Engage
• Celebrate

…with each informing the next. Access brings opportunity to engage and build the deeper connection needed to get the maximum benefits for wellbeing and pro-nature behaviours. Sharing the stories leads to Celebration for yet deeper connection, but also to inspire others to Access and Engage.

There are some tips at each stage for getting the most benefits, on governance and for fostering the values and beliefs that bring a sense of place and community.

Design for inclusive access

Create accessible habitats for connection through creative design of trails and sit spots, spaces to get away, and spaces to be with others. Grow trees in and near where people live. Partner with community organisations to create opportunities for everyone to visit, notice, and enjoy nature.

Offer opportunities for engagement that nurture care and connection

Creative use of the pathways to nature connection to prompt rich sensory and emotional engagement with the beauty and wonder of nature. Explore personal, and cultural meanings of nature in past, present and future. Foster compassion through conservation and citizen science activities.

Celebrate stories, cycles, and connections

Share stories of community access and engagement and celebrate the growth and change of people’s relationships with nature. Events, communications, art and conservation successes can inspire others to access and engage.

In conclusion, the ‘Connected Treescapes’ project underscores the vital role trees play in our lives, not just as environmental assets but as integral components of our wellbeing and community identity. By focusing on access, engagement, and celebration, we create a virtuous cycle that not only enhances personal connections to nature but also fosters a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, through thoughtful governance and community involvement, we can nurture a deeper appreciation and active participation in the life cycles and stories of our trees, building a greener, more connected future.

Thank you to Katapult for doing an excellent job of turning my concept sketch into reality.