The way a child connects with nature is influenced more by their income and educational background than by whether they are raised in urban or rural settings. These findings, revealed by a new study from researchers at Lund University in Sweden, challenge the belief that countryside living automatically enhances one’s bond with nature. Nevertheless, the research indicates that having nature nearby significantly contributes to children’s overall well-being.
The relationship that a child has with nature is shaped primarily by the income and educational level of their surroundings, rather than if they are from a city or the countryside. This was concluded from a recent study by researchers at Lund University, Sweden. The results challenge the common belief that rural upbringing fosters a stronger connection with nature; however, they do indicate that easy access to nature improves children’s wellness.
Concerns have grown regarding urbanization leading to a disconnection from nature, with research linking less interaction with nature to diminished engagement and negative health effects due to reduced outdoor activity. Finding ways to enhance or revive our connection to nature is therefore an important topic, especially for children, as their childhood experiences lay the foundation for their ongoing relationship with nature.
The goal of the researchers was to investigate the bond that urban and rural schoolchildren have with nature and how this varies based on their socioeconomic status. Additionally, they examined whether activities like bird feeding could facilitate a connection with wildlife, potentially enhancing children’s understanding and appreciation of nature, thereby boosting their well-being.
“Surprisingly, our study reveals that a child’s connection to nature is influenced more by socioeconomic factors than by their environment—urban or rural. For instance, children from more educated areas generally showed better knowledge of different species, leading to more favorable attitudes toward wildlife. Additionally, higher income levels were associated with greater participation in nature-related activities, which also deepened their connection to nature. This was evident regardless of whether the child lived in a city or a rural area,” explains Dr. Johan Kjellberg Jensen, the lead researcher from Lund University.
However, the study did identify some distinctions between urban and rural children.
“Children engage with natural environments in various ways, yet this does not change their overall attitudes toward nature. Notably, children with easier access to nature close to home reported feeling greater well-being. This underscores the importance of maintaining contact with nature,” states Dr. Jensen.
Regarding the bird feeding initiative, the Lund researchers noted an increase in children’s knowledge about species; however, there was no observable impact on their well-being or their perceptions of nature.
“That being said, we noticed significant differences among schools, highlighting the crucial role of teachers and educational institutions in such projects. It is well acknowledged that our connection to nature is developed through social interactions, and adults play a key role in modeling a healthy relationship with nature for children,” adds Dr. Johan Kjellberg Jensen. He emphasizes that this responsibility doesn’t need to solely rest on teachers, who already have numerous duties.
Another significant takeaway from the study was that children who had limited access to nature nearby gained the most from the bird feeding project.
“This highlights the necessity for green and fair housing policies and thoughtful urban planning. To ensure future generations maintain a positive relationship with nature, replete with the associated health benefits, targeted initiatives should be implemented to enhance children’s opportunities to engage with nature in both urban and rural environments. This need is especially pressing in low socioeconomic areas where natural settings near homes are scarce,” concludes Dr. Johan Kjellberg Jensen.
