©Victoria La Bouchardiere
Nature Connection
What is Nature Connection?
Nature Connection (or Nature Connectedness) is the term used to describe the relationship we have with the rest of the natural world. It centres around the idea that humans are a part of nature, not separate from it. It is a big focus of the Environmental Leadership Programme.
Building on research from the University of Derby, the programme explores why nature connection is so necessary to creating pro-environmental behaviour change and improving health and wellbeing, both for ourselves and our local communities.
Why focus on Nature Connection?
Research has shown us that young people in Birmingham feel out of touch with nature and don't have much understanding of the consequences their actions have on the environment. Yet many would like to do more to tackle climate change.
The programme was created so that young people in the West Midlands have the opportunity to inspire and engage others in their communities to develop a deeper connection with nature, empowering themselves and others to make a real, tangible difference in creating a more sustainable future.
In order to bring this to life, part of the programme experience will be creating a Nature Connection Campaign. The campaign will focus on an issue relevant to local communities in order to get them better connected with nature and as a result, influence pro-environmental behaviour change.
©Victoria La Bouchardiere
Nature Connection Campaigns
Campaign development is supported by the team, as well as guest speakers on the programme who include community organisers and local experts with key knowledge and experience.
Our Dragon's Den style event will also provide an opportunity for feedback from our expert panel, and the chance to be awarded a prize in order to help aide the success of the campaign. The event allows the campaign group to develop public speaking skills, alongside developing skills such as project management, community organising and impact measurement, which will all be explored during campaigning.
Check out the video below to see how Dragon's Den went for our year 2 cohort!
During the programme, we also explore the theme of leadership.