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In our modern world, the power and importance of connecting with nature can often be overlooked. But the hustle and bustle of modern life means many of us seek a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
The mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature have been well-documented and include reduced feelings of stress or anger, a stronger immune system, improved concentration, and faster recovery from illness.
Of course, our relationship with nature is also beneficial to its conservation. The more that we appreciate and connect with it, the more likely we are to consider how to protect it and help it thrive.
With all this considered, we’ve pulled together 32 different ways to connect with nature, both indoors and outdoors, that should hopefully get you inspired.
32 ways to connect with nature and feel inspired
1. Build a hedgehog home
Hedgehogs are having a tough time at the moment, and while there were an estimated 1.5 million hedgehogs in the UK in 1995, numbers in rural areas have decreased by up to 75% since the beginning of the century.
Experts have reported that this is largely due to the loss of hedgerows and field margins during intensive farming, meaning that hedgehogs’ reliance on urban and suburban gardens is growing.
So, if you’re looking for a rewarding way to connect with nature, consider building a hedgehog home in your garden.
Hedgehogs need homes just like we do, and a hedgehog house is relatively straightforward to make. These instructions from The Wildlife Trusts will show you how to get started.
2. Practise yoga outdoors
Doing yoga outside is a great way to enhance the experience. Not only will it heighten your senses, but you’ll also get some vitamin D.
Small moments – like the sound of birds chirping, the sight of a blue sky, and the feeling of wind in your hair – can also help to bring your mind back to the present, making it easier to focus on each breath and movement.
Plus, many yoga poses are inspired by animals, such as the swan, butterfly, fish, and King Pigeon poses, so practising yoga in a natural environment can help you feel more connected to each movement.
To learn more, have a read of 5 more reasons to take your yoga practice outside from Do You. Or, check out the yoga sequence below, which you can do in nature without a mat.
3. Plant some butterfly-friendly plants in your garden, patio or window box
Sadly, butterfly numbers have declined over the years (largely due to habitat loss), so you might have noticed that sightings of these beautiful creatures are becoming rarer. Butterflies emerge from their winter hibernation during spring and then reach peak levels during the summer.
To lend butterflies a helping hand over the next few months, you could work on making your garden, patio, or window box a place where they can thrive. One way to do this is by introducing butterfly-friendly plants, such as marigolds or lavender, to your outdoor space.
To learn which butterflies to look out for as the weather gets warmer – such as orange-tipped and red admiral butterflies – have a read of this article from Discover Wildlife. Or, to learn more about how to attract butterflies to your garden, patio, or window box, take a look at this advice from the Natural History Museum.
4. Learn about different weather systems and natural disasters
Although there are many things we can control in our lives, the weather isn’t one of them! But we tend to accept this, and there’s something very liberating about how we have no choice but simply go with the flow.
However, something we can do to better understand the world around us is learn about weather systems and how they work, including the more extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis are some of the most intriguing examples of these.
To find out more about natural disasters, check out these resources from National Geographic. Alternatively, you might like to join our Extreme Weather series over on Rest Less events to learn about some of history’s wildest weather phenomena.
To get a feel for just how exciting learning about the weather can be, check out the short video on tornadoes below.
5. Snap some wildlife photos
If you enjoy photography or you’re interested in learning more about it, then snapping some nature shots can be a good way to practise. Taking photos is also a fantastic way to celebrate and share the beauty and wonder of the natural world by seeing it through a new lens.
If this sounds appealing, our beginner’s guide to photography and our list of 8 fun photography projects that you can start today will hopefully help you get started. This article from Wanderlust also features 20 stunning wildlife shots, if you’re looking for more inspiration.
6. Keep a nature journal
If you’re looking to become more aware of your natural surroundings, you could consider starting a nature journal. Here, you can note down any nature-related experiences that leave a lasting impression on you – perhaps an encounter with an animal, a particularly beautiful sunrise, or observations about the changing seasons.
Noting down the little things that we often take for granted is a great way to practise gratitude and adopt new perspectives on the world.
7. Watch a sunset or sunrise
There’s something peaceful, romantic, and utterly magical about the sight of a glorious sunset or sunrise. Seeing a new day dawning or coming to an end can be soothing and grounding – especially if you’re ever feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.
For tips on capturing a sunrise, have a read of this page from the National Trust – or, to catch a sunset, check out these tips. You might also be interested in the top 10 places to watch the sunrise or sunset on the Great West Way website.
8. Create a mini-pond in your garden or on your patio
You don’t need much outdoor space to create your own pond, and they make excellent feeding spots for hedgehogs, frogs, birds and bats (the best natural pest controllers for your garden!).
With a little imagination, you can create a pond out of a washing-up bowl, a disused sink, or a large plant pot. Have a read of this article from Wildlife Trusts to find out more.
9. Have virtual encounters with animals from around the world
Travelling can be expensive and tricky to fit into our busy lives. However, that shouldn’t stop you from seeing all the beautiful animals that the World has to offer.
There are plenty of live webcams set up in locations all over the world that’ll allow you to have a peek at what some of the world’s most intriguing creatures are doing right now.
Why not check in with brown bears in Alaska, alligators in Florida, or gorillas in Eastern DRC on Explore.org?
10. Enjoy a meal outside on a warm day
When the weather’s nice, there’s nothing like enjoying an al-fresco meal with your friends and family from your garden, patio, or balcony. Eating outdoors is also enjoyable to do alone while you watch the clouds float by, the bees bouncing from flower to flower, or a couple of birds foraging for insects.
For some sunshine-inspired recipe ideas that you can enjoy outside this spring and summer, have a read of our article here.
If you don’t have an outdoor space of your own, there’s no reason why this should put you off. Why not pack a picnic and head to your local park instead? Check out Jamie Oliver’s article on making the perfect picnic for ideas on what to pack.
11. Be near the water
Simply being close to a glistening lake, a still pond, or rolling waves can promote feelings of peace, relaxation, and tranquillity. People often sit by the water when they’re looking to reflect, clear their minds, or remind themselves that they are part of something bigger.
Research also shows that marine and coastal margins are some of the happiest places to be! To find out more about why being near the water can make us happier, check out this article from House Beautiful. Or, if you’d be interested in visiting some new watery locations, check out our list of 12 of the most beautiful lakes in the UK.
Seas and lakes are also home to many popular water sports such as paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking. So, if you’re looking to combine some exercise with your love of blue spaces, why not try an activity from this article on the EZ Dock website?
12. Take daily activities or creative hobbies outside
There are many ways to take advantage of the spring and summer days without having to create more space in your schedule. Activities like painting and drawing can be done from gardens, balconies, or parks, plus landscapes and wildlife make great subjects!
Research has also shown that being in nature can boost creativity and make you feel “more vital and alive”, which can be beneficial when you’re crafting works of art.
Other activities that you can take outside include reading, home workout routines, journaling, and meditation.
13. Get involved in conservation
If you’re passionate about the health and status of our nature, and you want to make a difference, you could find a way to support wildlife or nature conservation.
From recording and monitoring trees and other plant life to participating in beach clean-ups to preserve their natural beauty, there are plenty of ways to support our planet and develop a deeper connection with nature. Check out our pages on getting outdoors and volunteering, and nature and environmental charities to find out more.
You might also like to look into conservation opportunities abroad, such as helping to manage an elephant sanctuary in Thailand or doing a poaching awareness course in South Africa.
14. Buy houseplants
Caring for houseplants is a great way to feel more connected to nature from the comfort of your home, and can be especially useful if you don’t have a garden.
Plants like the beautifully patterned snake plant and the elegant peace lily have also been top-rated by NASA for their ability to remove toxins from the air.
If you want to get your hands on some houseplants but are unsure which to choose, check out our articles: 10 low-maintenance indoor plants that can add life to your home and 8 plants to grow that are good for your health.
15. Watch nature documentaries
Although some of the best ways to enjoy nature involve heading outside, nature documentaries are also a wonderful way to learn more about our natural world. This is especially true when learning about more difficult places to visit, such as deserts, deep blue seas, and snowy mountains.
The list of nature or wildlife topics is vast and will depend on your personal interests. If you’re looking for a place to start, we recommend checking out the wide range of science and nature documentaries on BBC iPlayer. Serengeti, narrated by John Boyega, and Planet Earth, narrated by David Attenborough, are particularly stunning.
16. Grow something from a seed
Whether you have a garden, balcony, patio, or windowsill, nurturing and growing plants can be a highly satisfying way to add purpose, and reward to your days – especially if you sow plants from seeds.
If you’re unsure what to grow, consider starting with some fruit or vegetables. Not only will you be able to enjoy home-grown food, but you’ll also save money!
For ideas and inspiration on what to grow first, check out our articles: 8 superfoods that you can grow from home and 10 things that you can grow at home in a window box.
17. Try birdwatching
Forget TV soap operas or drama series – there’s a whole world of entertainment going on right outside your window! We often take birds for granted and might not notice them, but it’s amazing how deeply we can delve into their fascinating world if we look a little closer.
For example, did you know that male wrens will work hard to build several nests during mating season so that the female can select the one she likes best? Or that baby blue tits can eat up to 100 caterpillars a day? Or that sparrows regularly get into arguments because they spend too much time together?
For more bird facts and birdwatching information, have a read of our beginner’s guide to birdwatching.
18. Slow down and be more present
One of the most effective ways to connect with nature is to simply slow down and focus on the present moment.
Many of us spend time worrying about the past or ruminating on the future, which can cause us to miss things along the way. Sometimes, we just need to learn to stop and smell the roses!
Check out our introductory guide to mindfulness to find out more.
19. Take up beekeeping
Bees are fuzzy, intriguing, hard-working creatures, and although small, their significance is huge. So much so that scientists have officially declared bees as the single most important creatures on the planet.
Whether you want to discover more about bees or learn how to keep a beehive yourself, our introductory guide to beekeeping will explain everything you need to know to get started.
20. Read books inspired by nature
As with any topic, reading is a great way to expand your knowledge of wildlife.
There are books that‘ll take you on a psychological journey and explore how you can use your natural surroundings to stay grounded, others that focus on the history and evolution of animals and plants, and some that celebrate our enchanting natural world through creative writing.
We’d recommend The Lost Spells by Robert Macfarlane (a magical book full of nature poems and beautiful imagery) and The Hedgehog Handbook by Sally Coulthard. Or for more literary inspiration, have a read of this article on the best nature and wildlife books from Countryfile Magazine.
21. Explore the night sky
If you’ve always been curious about the night sky and would like to learn more about astronomy, then stargazing can be a great way to strengthen your connection with the natural world and learn more about our place in the universe.
Not only will you get some fresh air, but you’ll also get time to reflect and clear your mind, or bond with loved ones if you choose to invite others.
If you want to know what to look for, have a read of our introduction to stargazing, or check out The Night Sky running over on Rest Less Events.
22. Help birds avoid windows
Generally speaking, birds don’t have the best track record with windows as they can fly into them, attack them, or eat window putty (because it contains linseed!).
For birds, flying into a window can result in concussion or other internal injuries, but by making the window pane more obvious (for instance, putting stickers on it), you can help prevent collisions.
You can also distract birds from window putty by placing a bird feeder somewhere near your window. To learn more about how to help birds avoid windows, have a read of this advice from the RSPB.
23. Treat yourself to fresh-cut flowers
A vase of fresh-cut flowers is an easy and inexpensive way to add a splash of colour to any home. You can pick up a pretty bunch in your local supermarket for £5 or under, and some will be guaranteed to last for a week.
Treating yourself to a bunch of flowers regularly is a wonderful act of self-care, and a great way to learn more about different flower types, as the flowers available in shops will change with the seasons.
This article from Proflowers will show you how to make your cut flowers last as long as possible. And if you’re interested in learning how to arrange them, you could also consider a floristry course or check out our article: 17 of the most popular and classic flower arranging styles.
24. Track wildlife
If you want to put your detective skills to the test, why not learn how to spot signs of wildlife and build a bigger picture of the animals that surround us? Footprints, fur, teeth marks, and leftover food can all be helpful indicators about what sort of animal has recently been at a location and where they might’ve gone next.
There are plenty of online tools to help you identify wildlife signs. For instance, the Woodland Trust has a range of resources that can help you identify animal footprints, bird feathers, and frogspawn. You can also get plenty of tips on how to track wildlife in Britain from this Countryfile article.
25. Get stuck into some gardening
If you’re looking to make the most of your green space, stay active, and create something that you feel proud of, why not learn a few new gardening skills?
There are plenty of things to do in the garden year-round, from planting new bulbs and making your own compost to pruning and feeding shrubs and trees. For gardening tips and advice, you can visit our gardening section.
26. Run, hike, or cycle
Running, hiking, and cycling can offer you the opportunity to get some exercise while satisfying your thirst for adventure.
When you’re enjoying the views of your surroundings, exercise can feel less like a chore – as you get the added enjoyment of planning your route, seeing some pretty views, and feeling a sense of accomplishment when you reach your destination.
Another great thing about these activities is that you can keep changing your route to stop yourself from becoming bored. Check out the All Trails website to find 500,000 trails with maps, photos, and detailed reviews.
27. Plan a camping trip
If you really want to be at one with nature and fully immerse yourself in all its sights and sounds, there are few better ways to do this than by camping.
Not only is camping a great sensory experience, but it also challenges us to put ourselves in a situation where we don’t have easy access to all the home comforts that many of us are used to. After a camping experience, people often feel humbled and view everyday comforts differently.
If you’re looking to book a camping trip somewhere in the UK, you can find some of the UK’s best campsites here. Or, if you don’t fancy venturing too far, you could also try camping in your back garden.
28. Make use of nature-themed apps and websites
While technology can remove us from nature, it can also be a great tool for expanding our knowledge of our natural environment. Whether you’d like to identify a plant, bird, or butterfly, plan a new hiking route, or learn more about the stars, there’s an app or website that’ll be able to help.
If you’re wondering what sort of apps or websites you could turn to first, take a look at this list of six nature apps from the BBC or these top 15 UK nature blogs, websites, and influencers from Feedspot.
29. Learn more about animals that you know little about
With so many different creatures in the world, there’s an endless library of knowledge out there! Even if your animal knowledge is already broad, there will almost certainly be an animal out there to learn more about.
Examples of some fun animal facts that we enjoyed recently are…
- Baby elephants suck their trunks for comfort.
- Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys) play with snowballs for fun.
- A group of porcupines is called a ‘prickle’.
- The largest squid ever discovered was larger than a double-decker bus. It measured more than 50 feet and weighed nearly a tonne.
For more interesting animal facts, check out this article on 101 of the greatest animal facts from Fact Animal.
30. Find outdoor adventure through Geocaching
If you love adventure and getting outdoors, you could spend a few hours Geocaching. With millions of geocaches (tiny ‘treasure’ boxes) hidden around the world for others to find, the chances are, there’s some near you right now.
Getting started with geocaching is simple: all you need is a GPS signal and the geocaching app to locate nearby Geocaches using maps and coordinates.
Head over to the Geocaching website to begin your treasure hunt.
31. Spend more time with your pet
Spending time with our pets can help us to feel more connected to nature – especially dogs, as they love nothing more than going on a long walk! So why not spend some extra time hanging out with your dog or cat in the garden? Or try taking your dog for a walk somewhere completely new?
Pets are great stress-relievers because they have no idea about bills, mortgages, or news events. They just want to love and be loved, and have an amazing ability to help us forget our worries, stay active, and explore new places.
To find out more about the benefits of owning a pet, check out our article here.
32. Visit sunflower fields
Sunflower fields offer dreamy, enchanting views that you definitely won’t forget in a hurry. Picture hundreds of huge, vibrant yellow flower heads swaying in the breeze, under a (sometimes!) bright blue sky.
Between July and September, sunflower fields are popular with nature enthusiasts and perfect for snapping stunning nature shots.
Those who visit sunflower fields often come away with lifted spirits, a bucket of beautiful flowers, and treasured memories. Have a read of Countryfile’s article, 9 beautiful sunflower fields to visit in the UK, to discover some of the best fields to visit this year. Or, if sunflowers aren’t your favourite, check out our list of 8 of the best places to see wildflowers in the UK.
Final thoughts…
Taking the time to connect with nature can boost our overall health and wellbeing by improving our immune system, encouraging creativity, and relieving stress and anxiety.
Our relationship with nature can also help to dictate the future of our natural world. The more grateful we are for natural spaces, the stars in the sky, and the beautiful creatures around us, the more likely we are to be kind to our planet and do what we can to protect it.
To quote Laura Ingalls Wilder, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
Do you connect with nature in any other ways? Are you planning to try any of the activities above? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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