Nature Connection

path in Nuuksio National Park

Through positive experiences, the child learns to enjoy nature and the surrounding environment, and their relationship with the environment is strengthened.

~Riikka Hohti, Ulkona Opettamisen Käsikirja

Like any relationship, the one each individual has with nature is unique, personal, and dynamic. For most, connecting with nature and other local environments begins at a young age. For many in Finland, these first exposures come with time spent outdoors during the changing seasons, during trips to a family summer cottage, or as part of school trips to nearby parks and forests.

With more people living in cities than ever before, young people are connecting with nature in new and different ways. While this means connecting with a more urban environment for some, for others it can mean missing out on a connection as they engage with online games, social media, or other digital spaces.

Forming a nature connection

Whatever our relationship with nature is, we can get closer. We can notice more, listen more, feel more, enjoy more, and care more. Research shows that the closer we get to nature, the happier we are, the more worthwhile life seems, and the more we are willing to take action to help our wildlife and the environment. In the context of the problems our climate and wildlife are facing, closer relationships with nature are more necessary than ever before.

(Richardson, M., & Butler, C.W., 2022).

Like other relationships, one with forest is very personal and is an identity that can change throughout life.

the relationship takes shape in childhood
parts can be emotional, parts can be material; can also be influenced by community

(Kaasinen, 2023)

Examples of activities that promote a nature connection:

* gardening * camping * walks in the woods

* stargazing * outdoor picnic * swimming

* meditation * birdwatching * berry picking

Role of education

Nature exercises that connect people emotionally have great potential to promote people’s connection with nature. (Ex. art)

(Ratinen, 2023)

For more on nature connections, check out Miles Richardson & Carly W. Butler's excellent work: The nature connection handbook: A guide for increasing people’s connection with nature.

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