Britain is one of the least “nature-connected” countries in the world, ranking 55th out of 61 nations in the first global study examining how people relate to the natural world.
The research, which surveyed 57,000 people across 61 countries, found Nepal to be the most nature-connected nation, followed by Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. In contrast, countries such as Spain, Japan, Germany, and Canada joined Britain near the bottom of the list.
The study, published in Ambio, found that societies with higher levels of spirituality or religious faith tended to feel a stronger bond with nature, while those focused on business, wealth, and technology—like the UK—were less connected.
Lead author Prof Miles Richardson of the University of Derby said Britain’s low ranking reflected its highly urbanised, economically driven culture: “We’ve become a rational, scientific society, which brings benefits but distances us from the living world.”
The researchers suggested that boosting nature connection could improve wellbeing and encourage pro-environmental behaviour. Richardson proposed integrating natural spaces into public health care, creating stronger biodiversity laws, and involving nature in business decisions.
He added: “It’s not just about building more parks – it’s about making nature sacred again.”
