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

TL;DR

This study explores how nature connection, wellbeing, and pro-environmental behavior vary across urban, regional, and remote areas in Australia.

Contribution

The study identifies regional areas as a 'sweet spot' where nature connection and wellbeing are high, offering insights into urban-rural environmental and psychological dynamics.

Findings

Nature connection is strongest in remote and outer regional areas of Australia.

Wellbeing and pro-environmental behavior are higher in outer regional areas compared to urban centers.

Urban residents report less immersive nature experiences and more travel to access nature.

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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-025-02229-2.

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