Identifying nature activities that promote adult nature connection using the Evaluating Nature Activities for Connection Tool (ENACT)

Nature Connection (NC) is an important driver of conservation behaviour. Conservation organisations aim to increase people's NC through a wide range of nature activities. Using the Evaluating Nature Activities for Connection Tool (ENACT), this study evaluated the effectiveness of different nature activities for increasing adult NC and promoting conservation behaviour. 1126 adults completed ENACT after attending one of 100 nature activities across 27 nature reserves. Linear mixed models were used to examine predictors of ENACT scores and these revealed clear differences between types of activity. Group-based activities, whether special events or regular activities, worked better for building NC than large, drop-in events. Importantly, this pattern of results applied to participants with lower pre-existing trait NC. A cost-benefit analysis illustrated how potential NC benefits related to activity running costs and suggested how activities might be improved. Conservation organisations can use this evaluation evidence to improve the effectiveness of nature activities in building NC and promoting conservation behaviour.

Automated summary

Nature Connection (NC) is an important driver of conservation behaviour, and this study evaluated the effectiveness of different nature activities for increasing adult NC and promoting conservation behaviour. The findings suggest that group-based activities are more effective than large, drop-in events for building NC, particularly for participants with lower pre-existing trait NC. Cost-benefit analysis provides insights on improving the effectiveness of nature activities in building NC and promoting conservation behaviour.