Nature connection, wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour across an urban gradient: Understanding the regional sweet spot.

Abstract

While there is growing understanding of the impact of urbanisation on nature access and nature connection, little is known about this pattern across the rural-urban gradient. Through a nationally-representative survey, we explore relationships of nature connection, wellbeing, and pro-environment behaviour across remote, regional, and urban Australia. We also examine two open-ended questions about an individual's everyday interaction and meaningful experiences with nature. The results show non-linear relationships with stronger levels of nature connection in remote and outer regional areas of Australia, while personal well-being and pro-environmental behaviour scores were higher in outer regional Australia. Open-ended questions revealed that increasing urbanisation led to more limited interactions or meaningful experiences with nature, and individuals in remote and outer regional areas feel immersed in nature, while individuals in major cities travel to visit nature. Regional areas appear to provide opportunities for immersive nature while also access to key services that contribute to wellbeing.