A new study conducted by researchers at Lund University in Sweden has found that a child’s income and education levels in their environment determine their relationship with nature, rather than whether they live in a city or the countryside. The study shows that nature close to home can increase children’s well-being, but socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in determining children’s connections to nature. Children in areas with higher levels of education generally had better species knowledge and more positive attitudes towards wildlife, while higher incomes were linked to more participation in nature-based activities, regardless of whether they lived in a city or the countryside.
There is a general concern about the decreasing contact with nature as a result of urbanization, which can lead to lower engagement and poorer health outcomes. Strengthening or rediscovering our connection to nature is important, especially for children, as childhood is when our relationships with nature are formed. The researchers aimed to study the relationships urban and rural schoolchildren have with nature and whether these relationships vary based on socioeconomic status. They also looked into whether feeding birds could serve as a point of contact with wildlife and potentially improve children’s sense of well-being.
Despite different ways in which urban and rural children use natural environments, the study found that their attitudes towards nature in general were not affected by these differences. Children who had more direct access to nature close to home reported a higher self-perceived sense of well-being, emphasizing the importance of contact with nature. The bird feeding project led to an increase in children’s species knowledge, but had no effect on well-being or attitudes towards nature. The variation in results between schools pointed to the role of teachers and schools in projects like this, as adults play a significant role in shaping children’s connections to nature.
Children with limited access to nature close to home benefited the most from the bird feeding project, highlighting the importance of green and equitable housing policies and urban planning. If we want future generations to have positive relationships with nature and enjoy the health benefits that come with it, targeted projects to increase children’s contact with nature are necessary, especially in areas with low socioeconomic levels and limited nature near residential housing. Overall, the study showed that socioeconomic factors are key in determining children’s relationships with nature, and efforts are needed to ensure all children have access to nature and can benefit from its positive effects.
