WHY NATURE CONNECTION AND WHY NOW?



• Nature connection or nature connectedness are terms used to describe the relationship we have with the rest of the natural world.
• Nature connection challenges the idea that humans and nature are separate, and are instead part of the wider ecological system.
• It has been shown that people who are more connected to nature will have a greater sense of wellbeing and show more pro-environmental and pro-conservation behaviours.
• Evidence from Natural England shows that individuals from diverse backgrounds and those who experience poverty spend less time in nature - with the ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the West Midlands, this is the perfect area to make a real change in connecting people to nature.

Research has shown us that "young people in Birmingham feel out of touch with nature and don't have an understanding of the consequences of their actions".  78% of 227 young people surveyed by SWT said they would like to do more to tackle climate change, but only 18% are currently campaigning about it. 



ELP2 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 themsevels and others to make a real, tangible difference in creating a more sustainable future.

Nature Connection on ELP2

Throughout your time on the programme, there will be plenty of opportunities to expand your knowledge of Nature Connection and to get involved yourself, all guided by our team's Nature Connection expert, Benjamin!

Benjamin will guide you through one of our early sessions, Nature Connection 101, in which you will learn more about the 5 pathways to Nature Connectedness, and the research conducted by the University of Derby. You'll also gain insight into how Nature Connectedness will be prioritised on the programme, with monthly activities to encourage you to interact with nature in new and different ways, and in-person opportunities to experience nature together.

Most importantly, nature connection will be the underlying focus of the campaigns that you will develop and deliver as part of your time on ELP2 - scroll down on this page to find out more!

You can read more about nature connection from the University of Derby (here).

What Is a Nature Connection Campaign?

During this programme you will learn more about nature connectedness and why it is so important in a changing world, what barriers you might face and also some ways to measure connection to nature. These will all help you build your very own nature connection campaign in your area along with other participants.

The ultimate aim of a nature connection campaign is to inspire individuals to develop a deeper appreciation, understanding, and sense of responsibility towards the natural world, leading to positive behavioral changes and a greater commitment to environmental conservation.

A great nature connection campaign will be developed alongside and with the community in mind. It will be centred around an issue that means something to you and your community. It will hopefully attract the support of other organistations and create a bond between you, your community and nature, hopefully prompting a lasting change in behaviour!

However you want to connect to nature is up to you! With the support from your peers and our team, you will have the freedom to develop a campaign that interests you personally and be able to share this with your community, making a real impact.