Connecting nature with finding out how connected to nature the UKs children are Welcome - PDF document

Connecting naturefinding out how connected to nature the UK’s children are 02 Welcome What does “connection to nature” mean?Why does connection matter so much to children?Saving nature – now and in the future07How do children connect?The state of UK children’s connection to nature in 2013Our challenge nowWhat next?Get measuring! What else are we doing? Working together for children and nature Contents 03 be a part of every child’s life – to develop deeply-held Nature is in trouble, and children’s connection to nature is make fascinating reading. Importantly, they show that Welcomejust how connected to nature the UK’s children really are.The results also reveal differences between children’s of my town. I couldn’t have known then that those We believe that everyone has a role to play in putting This report concludes with information about how everyone can measure children’s connection to nature, and Dr Mike Clarke What does “connection to nature” mean? develop a clear description of children’s connection to nature in our modern world. We could then begin As a result of this work, we have chosen four descriptions of children’s feelings towards nature, based on previous research. We have used these as our over-arching framework for dening connection to nature. They are: enjoyment of nature; having empathy for creatures; having a sense of oneness with nature; In this way, connection to nature is about long-held Enjoyment of natureSense of Sense of responsibilityEmpathy for creatures What is connection to nature?Connection to Nature: children’s affective attitude toward nature. In its broadest sense, “connection to nature” describes the mix of feelings and attitudes that people have towards nature. You might also call it “loving nature”, In 2010, the RSPB’s report – “First-hand experiences...can help to make subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils and enhance their understanding...[and] could make an important contribution to pupils’ future economic wellbeing and preparing them for the next stage of their lives.” Hyperactivity Disorder] may benet from more time in contact with nature...” Personal and social skills – “Experience of the outdoors and wild adventure space has the potential Development of a positive self-image, condence in one’s abilities and experience of dealing with uncertainty can be important in helping young people face the wider health, or under-developed social skills.To describe these negative impacts, American author Last Child in the WoodsWhy does connection matter so much to children? Saving nature – now and in the futureaway. For the rst time ever, a coalition of the UK’s wildlife check of nature in the UK and its Overseas Territories. The very strongly. But we can turn things around – through Visit: outdoors and connect with nature, today’s children And we are missing out on a workforce for saving nature – children and young people themselves can be active in nature conservation. Action by children and young people ...connection to nature is a strong predictor of children’s interests in environmentally friendly practices...” How do children connect?to connecting children with nature. These are summarised below, from children and adults. Not surprisingly, the interactions between Nature: children’s affective attitude toward nature. “We live in a scruffy our two year old’s life as Nature near the home...family values toward nature are a strong factor that can inuence children’s Attitudes toward nature at homeExperiences of naturechildren’s knowledge s knowledge correlation between children’s connection to lls me with joy. You nd Knowledge about the environment Connecting with nature The state of UK children’s connection to nature in 2013To do this, a representative sample of was 1.5 or greater. We will undertake further research in The differences between children’s scores vary between countries, gender, and urban and rural homes. We are also grade and ethnicity.TNS questioned 1,088 members of the British public, aged 8–12 years, between 30 November 2012 and 26 March 2013 as part of their weekly face-to-face omnibus survey. Ipsos MORI questioned 112 members of the Northern Ireland public, aged 8–12 years, between 27 October and 4 November 2012. The data were combined and weighted by TNS to ensure that the prole used was representative of the overall population. The quoted differences in connection to nature are statistically signicant at the 99% condence level. time, to measure children’s connection to nature across the UK.There are statistically significant differences between children’s connection to nature at a national level across the UK, as well as between boys and girls, and British urban and rural homes.”of children whose score was 1.5 or greater.Percentage scoring 1.5 or greaterAverage score UK TOTA -2 20 09 Scoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreGB RURScoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreGB URBANScoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreUK Scoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreUK GI Scoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreWAScoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreNORTHERNScoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreSCOTScoring 1.5 or greaterAverage scoreScoring 1.5 or greater24% Average score This is the rst time the level of children’s connection to of children’s connection to nature – to monitor how it Our challenge now: to connect all children with natureand how children’s connection to nature leads to The RSPB is committed to connecting young people with nature and empowering them to protect the natural world, now and in the future.” of increasing children’s connection to nature. This Our recommendations to governments We want national governments, devolved Adopt the measure of children’s connection to nature. Take action to increase connection through an important inuence on children’s opportunities Tackle obstacles to connected young people taking in society. What next?Everyone working together 12 Average scoreThe research report from the University of Essex on that webpage also has more information about the statements Twitter using the tag How to calculate the score of connection Weighting-1 -2 Number Total Other organisations, schools and families are welcome to use the measure to see how connected to nature their children are, Reminder: the RSPB believes that a score of 1.5 is a realistic and achievable target for every child. Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements, by putting a tick in the relevant box. I like to hear different sounds in nature I like to see wild owers When I feel sad, I like to go outside and enjoy nature Being in the natural environment makes me feel peaceful I like to garden I feel sad when wild animals are hurt I like to see wild animals living in a clean environment I enjoy touching animals Taking care of animals is important to me Humans are part of the natural world People cannot live without plants and animals My actions will make the natural Picking up trash on the ground can People do not have the right to Strongly Strongly Neither agree nor Thank you! Connection to nature questionnaire for 8–12 year olds campaign is inspiring individuals and families to create homes for nature in their gardens, making people aware that nature on their doorstep is in trouble and showing them what they can do to help. Visit To nd your nearest RSPB reserve for a family day out, rspb.org.uk/reserves RSPB. Find out more about what we offer, how to joinWhat else are we doing? The RSPB wants to help increase children’s connection to nature, Working together for children and natureCalouste Gulbenkian Foundationthe RSPB’s research to measure nature-decit important research into measuring children’s connection to nature.Green Exercise Research Team at the University of EssexUniversity of Essex, the Green Exercise Research Team for over 10 years. World leaders in the eld, the team consists of experts in the areas of exercise physiology, psychology, public health, environmental sustainability, community level. The Green Exercise Research Team the UK and internationally. 016 UK HeadquartersThe Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DLTel: 01767 680551Northern Ireland HeadquartersTel: 028 9049 1547Scotland Headquarters2 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9DHTel: 0131 311 6500Wales HeadquartersTel: 029 2035 3000The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.IMAGES: Leaping boy, boy peeping through leaves and boy with sweet chestnut by David Tipling, Dr Mike Clarke, “frogs welcome”, boy and girl playing and family exploring reserve by Eleanor Bentall, wild ower meadow by David J Slater, boy and hedgehog by Edwin Kats, girl in trendy boots by Peter Cairns (all rspb-images.com); girl lying in long grass by Yuri Arcurs (Alamy.com); meadow pond and autumn leaves (both by istockphoto.com) 273-1658-11-12 Year of publication 2013.