The more we lose our connection to nature, the less we care about the environment.

The further you delve into our past, the more you will discover how closely connected we were to our environment. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, people worked in sync with the seasons. This was important because they were primarily farmers, who needed to be in tune with the land as a matter of survival.

When man began to consider himself superior to nature, controlling it, manipulating it for his own gain, respect for our environment began to wane. Now, we have abused our environment to the point where it can barely take any more. We have drained, polluted, and deforested, all to our own advantage. All this comes without consideration of the consequences. We are more disconnected from nature than ever.

It is no surprise, then, to read an article that highlights the decline in our connection to nature, with that only set to continue. A report from the Journal of Earth suggests a reduction in connection to nature of more than 60% since the year 1800, alongside the disappearance of nature words in books. According to computer modelling, this downward trend is set to continue as more people live in urban areas, as natural wildlife habitats decrease, and as fewer parents pass on an appreciation of nature to their children.

The less we spend time in natural spaces, the less we are likely to care about them.

Interestingly, the research found that even the extent to which wild, natural spaces have been introduced into cities has not been enough to reverse people’s connectedness. It suggests more effort needs to go into teaching young people about the importance of their natural environment, promoting outdoor play in the form of activities like forest schools.

Is all lost when it comes to our connection to nature?

If you go to a bookshop, you don’t have to look far to spot the section on nature writing. It’s hugely popular and people cannot get enough of it. Does this show a desire to connect to nature? I think it does. People are well aware of how effective it is for your mental health if you spend time in nature, not just walking, but among the trees, absorbing the phytoncides that they emit; these chemicals have been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, among other positive health benefits.

On another positive note, we have the rise in spirituality, alongside which comes an appreciation of nature. Connecting back to the old ways, when people followed the seasons and were in sync with the land, automatically brings with it a connection to nature. More people are tuning into this, realising the benefits of living that way.

The thing about nature is that it helps you to pause.

Just taking a break from your normal routine, especially if it is hectic or stressful, can be hugely beneficial. When I held a poetry writing workshop in June, I decided to host it in a woodland space. I did this purposely because I know how beneficial spending time in nature can be. The workshop didn’t just focus on writing. It invited the participants to connect with their senses and the environment around them. The written words came from that connection. It was slow and mindful, invoking comments like, ‘I hadn’t realised how much I needed this until I came here.’ To me, this highlights that the benefits of being connected to nature can only be realised once you have experienced it. Unfortunately, it’s not until you experience it that you realise that.

A catch twenty-two? Perhaps. But we have to give people the opportunity to enjoy nature by sharing our experiences. We can also promote the benefits of connecting to nature to our wider community. In this way, we can all share in the benefits and make sure that future generations form an appreciation of our surroundings, just like our ancestors did.

Join me for the next Poetry workshop on the 5th of September, 6.30-8 p.m. Details on here.