Exploring variations in nature related attitudes and behaviours.

Research team

.

Jo Garret – University of Exeter

Lewis Elliott – University of Exeter

Ria Poole – University of Exeter

Catriona McKinnon – University of Exeter

Partners and collaborators

Aims

• To explore variations in nature related attitudes and behaviours by ethnic or racialised minority groups 

• To inform the potential development of inclusive biodiversity renewal activities, alongside and in complement to RENEW’s ReBLs survey.

Approach

The Renewing Biodiversity Longitudinal Survey (ReBLs) was designed to explore how biodiversity renewal affects environmental attitudes, behaviours, health, and wellbeing over time. To achieve this, the survey primarily targeted individuals living in rural areas. 

However, this focus led to an underrepresentation of people from ethnic or racialised minority groups. To address this, we conducted a booster sample of 2,000 individuals from non-White British backgrounds between April and July 2024. This enhanced representation allows for more robust and meaningful analysis of variations across different demographic groups. 

Through exploring how people from non-White British backgrounds relate to nature and biodiversity, we hope to better inform future biodiversity renewal efforts. These efforts should reflect the perceptions and attitudes of groups who often face multiple, intersecting barriers to accessing nature and enjoying the benefits of nature interactions. This work adds a crucial element to our ongoing work with Natural England to better understand responses to nature recovery, ensuring representation in the data, and will further inform our work on environmental justice by explicitly exploring influences on minority groups. 

Next Steps

• Conduct statistical analyses to examine variations in attitudes and behaviours by ethnic or racialised background. 

• Share findings to inform policy and practice in biodiversity and community engagement.