Natural England is looking to hear from people who are passionate about looking after their land and who want to share their views on the landscape, wildlife and nature.
If you experience a feeling of being emotionally and mentally linked to the natural world and are aware of, appreciate and engage with nature, this is Nature Connectedness.
Take the survey
You may have received a link via email to participate in the survey but if you haven’t, and would like to participate or would like an interview, please contact Ellie Cook at [email protected].
By completing Natural England’s survey, you can help improve understanding of how future agri-environment schemes can better support your farm business goals, landscapes and wildlife more broadly.
To show Natural England’s appreciation, every completed response will result in a £2 donation to a farming wellbeing charity on your behalf (up to a total value of £1,000).
The survey is the second phase of research aimed at understanding the relationship farmers have with their land and nature and the influence this relationship may have on agri-environment scheme decision making, uptake and delivery in England.
Initial research findings
The first phase of the study was conducted with a small group of agreement holders in 2022. Some initial findings from the first phase found that:
- The agreement holders had a complex relationship with nature, having both positive and negative interactions.
- In some instances, agreement holders with a strong sense of nature connectedness were more likely to participate in environmentally positive practices.
- Agreement holders spoke of many instances of deep satisfaction from agri-environmental work.
- However, some also mentioned challenges like poor wellbeing and financial insecurity which can affect their ability to focus on environmental goals.
The larger survey that Natural England and ICF are now conducting will ensure a greater representation of agreement holders’ views.
