July 31st

By Mutt Mulligan

Study: youngsters lose connection to nature at age 11

A new study out of England indicates that young people’s connection to nature drops drastically starting at the age of 11. Remarkably, scientists found that it doesn’t recover until around age 30. Researchers say this has strong implications for their propensity to engage in eco-friendly behaviors including recycling.

The study is from the University of Derby in partnership with the University of Exeter, Natural England, Historic England, the National Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Wildlife Trusts.

To conduct the research, scientists surveyed about 4,000 adults and children. The participants rated their agreement or disagreement with statements that determined their level of connectedness to nature. The statements included things like, “I always find beauty in nature.” “Being in nature makes me very happy.” “I feel part of nature.”

From the responses, the researchers developed a Nature Connectedness Index (NCI). The NCI ranged from a score of zero at the low end to a maximum of 100.

Analysis indicates that the average level of nature connectedness was 61 and that females scored higher than males (64.21 vs. 57.96). Also, those who scored the maximum NCI reported being significantly happier, less anxious and more satisfied with life than those who scored below the maximum.

The TurfMutt education program is a conduit between kids and the green space around them. Through interactive lessons and activities, TurfMutt encourages children and teens to engage with their living landscapes and to learn and appreciate their importance to people and the planet.

For more about TurfMutt’s lessons and activities, visit TurfMutt.com. To see more about the  benefits of our green spaces – including those in our own backyards – go to SaveLivingLandscapes.com.