A sweeping new global study on our relationship with nature has a surprising twist: Britain, known for its gardens and green lanes, ranks among the least “nature-connected” nations in the world, landing 55th out of 61. Meanwhile, Nepal tops the list, with Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria close behind.
The research, published in Ambio and drawing on a 57,000-person dataset, suggests that what truly deepens our bond with the natural world isn’t simply access to parks or membership in environmental groups — it’s how we feel, think, and value our place in the living world.
As lead researcher Miles Richardson of the University of Derby puts it,
“Nature connectedness is not just about what we do, but how we feel, think, and value our place in the living world.”
That nuance matters, especially for women who juggle careers, caregiving, and wellness: the study links a stronger nature connection to better wellbeing and more eco-friendly choices — tangible benefits in everyday life.
What makes this news so timely is the finding that modern markers of progress can quietly pull us away from nature. Countries with high “ease of doing business,” higher incomes, heavy internet use, and greater urbanization tend to score lower on nature connection.
In other words, the very efficiencies that streamline our lives may be crowding out moments that restore us. Conversely, societies with higher levels of spirituality or a cultural preference for faith over science show stronger ties to nature — a reminder that meaning, ritual, and reverence can be powerful bridges back to the outdoors.
Nature connection isn’t just a nice-to-have. It correlates with improved mental health and a greater likelihood of making environmentally positive choices, both urgently needed amid biodiversity loss.
The study’s authors suggest practical steps any community or organization can adopt: integrate nature into healthcare, recognize “rights of nature” in law, and bring nature into the boardroom through policies like biodiversity net gain.
This is about more than adding a park bench; it’s about nurturing a sense of the “sacred” in urban spaces so that green time becomes part of daily life, not an occasional treat.
And there’s a deeply human invitation here. As the Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, notes: “What we notice we begin to love, and what we love we come to treasure, and what we treasure we want to protect.”
For readers seeking small, meaningful shifts — morning walks, mindful moments in the garden, or family rituals outdoors—this research underscores that tiny habits can ripple into personal wellbeing and planetary care.
Curious where your country falls and how we can design cities and routines that truly reconnect us? Dive into the full story for the data, context, and ideas: The Guardian
