Britain Falls Flat on Nature Connection as Nepal Takes the Top Spot
A new study has revealed that Britain ranks 55th out of 61 countries in terms of how its citizens connect with nature, a measure known as "nature connectedness." The research, which analyzed data from over 57,000 people across the globe, found that the UK's low score is not solely due to a lack of environmental activism – despite having one of the highest membership rates of environmental organizations worldwide. Instead, it appears that Britain's culture has become increasingly rational and scientific, leaving little room for what Richardson, professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, calls "natural thinking."
The study found that high levels of spirituality in a society were the strongest indicator of a close relationship with nature. More religious societies and cultures where faith was prioritized over science showed a higher correlation to nature connection. In contrast, factors such as ease of doing business, urbanization, mean income, and internet use were linked to lower levels of nature connection.
"This is not just about what we do, but how we feel, think, and value our place in the living world," said Richardson. "We need to reintegrate natural thinking into our technological world, making it integral to our wellbeing." He believes that fostering nature connection could be achieved through measures such as incorporating natural environments into NHS treatments of mental health, developing rights of nature in law, and bringing nature into business decisions.
While the study highlights Britain's relatively low score on nature connection, other European nations fared better. Croatia and Bulgaria ranked highly, while France came in at 19th place. The least nature-connected nation was Spain, which ranked last among the 61 countries surveyed.
Graham Usher, bishop of Norwich and lead for environmental affairs for the Church of England, stressed the importance of connecting with nature for both personal and environmental reasons. "Getting out into nature is good for body, mind, and soul," he said. "It all starts with children and is why activities like forest school and wild church are important for people and nature."
As the world grapples with biodiversity loss and the need to balance economic growth with environmental concerns, Richardson's call to mainstream the value of nature rings particularly clear. By acknowledging the deep connections between human wellbeing and the natural world, we may yet find a way to bring nature back into our daily lives – and create a more sustainable future for all.
A new study has revealed that Britain ranks 55th out of 61 countries in terms of how its citizens connect with nature, a measure known as "nature connectedness." The research, which analyzed data from over 57,000 people across the globe, found that the UK's low score is not solely due to a lack of environmental activism – despite having one of the highest membership rates of environmental organizations worldwide. Instead, it appears that Britain's culture has become increasingly rational and scientific, leaving little room for what Richardson, professor of nature connectedness at the University of Derby, calls "natural thinking."
The study found that high levels of spirituality in a society were the strongest indicator of a close relationship with nature. More religious societies and cultures where faith was prioritized over science showed a higher correlation to nature connection. In contrast, factors such as ease of doing business, urbanization, mean income, and internet use were linked to lower levels of nature connection.
"This is not just about what we do, but how we feel, think, and value our place in the living world," said Richardson. "We need to reintegrate natural thinking into our technological world, making it integral to our wellbeing." He believes that fostering nature connection could be achieved through measures such as incorporating natural environments into NHS treatments of mental health, developing rights of nature in law, and bringing nature into business decisions.
While the study highlights Britain's relatively low score on nature connection, other European nations fared better. Croatia and Bulgaria ranked highly, while France came in at 19th place. The least nature-connected nation was Spain, which ranked last among the 61 countries surveyed.
Graham Usher, bishop of Norwich and lead for environmental affairs for the Church of England, stressed the importance of connecting with nature for both personal and environmental reasons. "Getting out into nature is good for body, mind, and soul," he said. "It all starts with children and is why activities like forest school and wild church are important for people and nature."
As the world grapples with biodiversity loss and the need to balance economic growth with environmental concerns, Richardson's call to mainstream the value of nature rings particularly clear. By acknowledging the deep connections between human wellbeing and the natural world, we may yet find a way to bring nature back into our daily lives – and create a more sustainable future for all.
. I mean think about it, they're one of the most urbanized countries in Europe, with loads of concrete and steel everywhere 
. It's hard to feel connected to nature when you're surrounded by all that. And don't even get me started on the weather – it's either freezing or boiling over there! 
The fact that they have a high membership rate for environmental orgs is just a drop in the ocean compared to how much of an impact we need to make 
. We should be doing more, not less, to bring nature into our daily lives and get people thinking about their place in the world 
.
I mean, they have like super strict laws and stuff but their ppl dont even bother to go outside much let alone appreciate the trees 
. I no why this study came out now 'cause its all about climate change and biodiversity loss - but seriously, who needs a strong economy when u can have a stronger connection with Mother Nature 
? Croatia & Bulgaria are like the ultimate nature lovers btw, maybe they should come over here and show us Brits how it's done 
. I feel like we need more "forest school" and less Netflix binges...get outside, get dirty, get connected! 
I think it's because we've become too focused on technology and science, and forgotten the importance of spending time outdoors 
. My kids are always asking me to take them to the park or the woods, but sometimes I'm too busy checking my phone to notice how beautiful the world is around us 
. We need to make nature a bigger part of our daily lives, like Richardson said 
. Maybe if we started incorporating more natural environments into our NHS treatments and business decisions, we could encourage people to spend more time outdoors 
. I mean, you'd think that with all the hiking and outdoor stuff they're doing, they'd be more "nature connected" but nope! 
. The thing is, it's all about the culture and how we value our place in the world, you know? 
If they brought nature into their NHS treatments, developed some "rights of nature" laws, and got businesses to think more about sustainability... that'd be a step in the right direction 
. And I'm not surprised other European nations like Croatia and Bulgaria did better – they've always had a stronger connection with nature 
i think this study highlights how important it is for us to bring back more natural ways of thinking and living into our daily lives maybe incorporating nature into healthcare and business decisions could be a good start 
.
. And making business decisions based on what's good for the environment? Sounds like a pretty sweet gig 
. But hey, at least Croatia and Bulgaria are giving it a shot 
. Maybe Britain can learn from their example... or maybe they're just trying to keep up with the Bulgarians' love of nature 
. But what really gets my goat is that they're not even making it a priority despite having heaps of environmental orgs 
. It's all about being rational and scientific over feeling a connection to the great outdoors 
. And what's up with them not even considering incorporating nature into business decisions? 
. Maybe we should take a page out of their book 
and prioritize getting our humans back in touch with nature 
. And what's with Spain being the worst? 
.
. I mean, come on, have u seen the beauty of Croatia? 
those ppl get it, they're all about livin' in tune with nature 
And it's awesome that people are already talking about ways to incorporate nature into daily life, like forest school and wild church... those sound like awesome activities 
u guyz dont 4get ur love 4 nature!!! 
but hey, its not all bad news! 
so lets keep hope alive & maybe one day u guyz will find ur inner green thumb 
... or nature, apparently 
And, um, wasn't it France that was all about "wild church" and whatnot? 
Guess they must have done something right 
meanwhile, nepal takes the top spot 
also, i'm not sure about this whole "natural thinking" thing 
... it's more about how they've become so caught up in being rational and scientific that they're forgetting the importance of natural thinking 
i think if we can find ways to integrate natural thinking into our daily lives, like Richardson suggests, it could make all the difference in our wellbeing and the planet's too 
The study shows us that spiritual aspects of society are key to nature connection, which is where Britain's overemphasis on science and rational thinking comes in – it's like they're neglecting their citizens' emotional needs.