Winter-human-nature interactions: A scoping review for a neglected season

Abstract

Nature interactions are associated with numerous positive physical, social, and mental health benefits. However, most human-nature interaction research is conducted in spring and summer, with little insight into autumn or winter-human-nature interactions. We therefore conducted a concise scoping review to explore the current state of winter-human-nature interaction research by examining common emergent themes and types of winter-human-nature interaction. Few studies (N = 28) met the inclusion criteria of our review (i.e., primary studies that examined explicit human-nature interactions in winter that reported outcomes for participants). Three main winter-human-nature interaction research topics emerged in the course of this review: winter recreation and tourism, winter and health, and winter and culture. Regarding typology, most studies considered more immediate, conscious, and intentional winter-human-nature interactions. Additionally, few studies considered the outcomes of interactions for both people and nature. More broadly, the general lack of studies involving winter-human-nature interactions is concerning given the depth of research in other seasons connecting humans and nature. Winter-nature interactions are even more important to understand given the ongoing changes in the characteristics of winter due to climate change that are likely to affect people’s relationships with nature in the winter and the potential nature-derived benefits of winter-human-nature interaction.