Britain ranks near the bottom globally for its connection to nature, according to a major new study that surveyed 57,000 people across 61 countries.
The UK placed 55th, with only nations such as the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan and Spain scoring lower. The most “nature-connected” countries were Nepal, Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh and Nigeria.
The study, published in Ambio, found that stronger spirituality and religious faith correlated with a closer bond to nature, while highly industrialised, urbanised, and business-focused societies tended to be more disconnected.
Lead author Prof Miles Richardson from the University of Derby said Britain’s low ranking reflected its “rational, economic and scientific” culture. “It’s about mainstreaming the value of nature — making it integral to wellbeing so it becomes respected and almost sacred,” he said.
Researchers suggested improving access to natural spaces in healthcare, embedding biodiversity in business decisions, and creating meaningful urban green areas as ways to rebuild this lost connection.
The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, added: “What we notice we begin to love, and what we love we come to treasure — and what we treasure we want to protect.”
