Nature Connectedness with the University of Derby (FutureLearn)

On this four-week course, you’ll discover how humans can develop a new relationship with nature to benefit both people and the environment.

Nature Connectedness is grounded in scientific study – it is both measurable and accepted internationally. This course will help you explore the concept of nature connectedness, its importance, and how it positively impacts the environment to help tackle climate change.
Improve your wellbeing as you connect with nature

In becoming more connected with nature we can tackle the crisis in our mental health and wellbeing.

The course will help you understand that we are part of nature, and our emotional connections and responses to nature have a direct link to our own feelings and mental health.

You’ll explore ways you can establish a meaningful relationship with the rest of nature and the best practices for engaging others to improve their own nature connectedness.
Learn from the experts at the University of Derby

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the specialists at the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group, the first of its kind to focus on this area.

The group has worked with Natural England, National Trust, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, and other national nature conservation NGOs to help improve people’s connection with nature to benefit wellbeing and conservation.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand how nature is part of the human story, and the more connected we become, the improvements it can have on our wellbeing and the wider environment.

Syllabus

Week 1: What is nature connectedness

Week 2: Why nature connectedness matters: people

Week 3: Why nature connectedness matters: wider nature

Week 4: Improving nature connectedness

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Describe what nature connectedness is.

- Discuss the impact of nature connectedness on people and the environment.

- Engage with others to improve nature connectedness in a wider context.

- Improve your own connection with nature.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in nature.

It may be of particular interest if you feel you don’t have a connection with nature, or you’d like to share your connection with nature with others.