The Big Read 2022-23

Being in Nature - a note from Dr Lizzie Freeman
Dr Lizzie Freeman is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Being in and with nature is a powerful experience. There is bountiful evidence now - including my own research on walking and solo experiences in wild places - showing that time in nature is highly beneficial for people’s health and wellbeing. The meaning that nature can evoke really comes into play when our relationship with nature is strengthened through our interactions with it. This relationship is always there of course – we are animals, we are nature - but human-nature relationships are complex. These relationships can also be political and of course reciprocal: people influence nature and nature influences people.  

For some, there is a growing feeling of disconnection. The wonderful thing about spending time with nature is that it not only helps people connect to its marvels and beauty, it also connects people to themselves and their identity – who am I, what are my values, what is important to me, where do I belong – helping people to transition between being, doing and becoming, aiding people to thrive in life. A sense of place locally, globally and within the universe can also be fostered and nature experiences can be empowering. Anita Sethi eloquently describes these many facets in her commanding book, I Belong Here.

Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am in my personal or professional life without my mountains. The Scottish Highlands made me who I am, pushed me and showed me I’m capable and can achieve anything I set my mind to. Mountains are my challenge, solace and refuge and I’m eternally grateful for my connection to nature and I’m always looking for ways to deepen that connection in my life and through my research. Nature connection is essential to the health of people and planet.

Takeaways

• EXPLORE nature by nourishing plants, enjoying your local greenspaces and visit wild places to discover a wilder side of you.
• NOTICE nature whilst spending time alone with it and enjoying nature with others.
• RE-CONNECT with nature and protect it.

Further Reading

Freeman, E., Harris, F. & Loynes, C. (2021). Nature Connection. In Thomas, G., Dyment, J. & Prince, P. Outdoor Environmental Education in Higher Education: International Perspectives. London, Routledge. 

Freeman, E., and Akhurst, J (2018). Chapter 13: ‘Walking through and being with nature: Meaning-making and the impact of being in UK wild places" In The Handbook of Mental Health and Space: Community and Clinical Applications by Laura McGrath, Paula Reavey (ISBN: 9781138643932)

Freeman, E., Robinson, E. & Harland, K. (2016). Understanding the power of the "solo". In: Coles, Richard, Costa, Sandra and Watson, Sandra, (eds.) Well-being 2016: Co-creating Pathways to Well-being: book of proceedings. Birmingham City University, 67-70.