The links between socioeconomic and environmental inequalities and nature connectedness

There is growing consensus that exposure to the natural environment is beneficial for human well-being. This is particularly important in urban environments, where environmental risks such as air pollution have been associated with poor physical and mental health. However, research into the associations between well-being and the natural environment are often inconclusive, and comparative studies are difficult given the breadth of well-being measures, natural environment metrics, analytical techniques and spatial units used.

Due to the increasing policy priority attached to this area of work, there is a urgent need for more robust evidence. The use of longitudinal, high-resolution spatial data has considerable potential to provide new insights and understanding.

From an inequalities perspective, it is widely accepted that people living in more deprived areas are more likely to have less access to natural spaces and that these natural spaces also tend to be of a lower quality. Inequalities in how individuals access the natural environment mean that the potential benefits gained are not experienced universally.

This has been particularly highlighted and compounded during the current Covid-19 pandemic. However, very little is known about how these inequalities are related to characteristics of the natural environment, or how an individual's psychological connection to nature influences how these inequalities interact to determine well-being benefits.

There are considerable social, economic, health and well-being benefits from improving our connection and exposure to nature. This is particularly important amongst demographics who are particularly disconnected from nature, or to those who stand to gain the most from increased quality of, and connection to, nature. For example, findings from a large UK survey showed 24% of those living in the most deprived parts of the country spend time in nature less than once a month or never.

This fellowship will build on my PhD work to further provide a meaningful contribution to academia, policy and practice. The fellowship has three aims:

1. To make important academic contributions through developing scientific understanding and knowledge, as well as key methodological advancements in this highly relevant research area. This work will be disseminated through world-class journal publications, delivering talks at key international conferences, and through a programme of networking activities such as seminar talks and university visits.

The first paper I submit during the fellowship will be one of only a handful of studies that attempts to quantify the effect of observed biodiversity on measures of subjective well-being, and the second will contribute evidence to the global discussion about the relationship between socioeconomics, population density, and biodiversity.

2. To engage with policy makers and non-academic stakeholders in order to build knowledge of, and shape policy on, urban green infrastructure, inequalities in access to nature, nature-based solutions, green recovery policies, and connecting people to nature to reduce inequalities and maximise health and well-being benefits. By co-designing and co-delivering a series of dissemination and public engagement activities, I aim to inspire members of the public about the importance of biodiversity and spending time in nature.

3. To undertake an innovative research programme and develop and submit a full grant proposal. The research component of the fellowship will be the first of its kind and will make a novel contribution to knowledge.

The full grant will build on this research to address key gaps in understanding by asking "To what extent could exposure to biodiversity and enhanced nature connectedness offset the impacts of social determinants on health inequalities?" This work has the potential to make meaningful societal impact by influencing evidence-based policymaking and individual behaviour.