From Nature Connection to Action: Findings from the Act with Nature research

How can connection with nature support both human well-being and pro-environmental action? 

Welcome to the Act with Nature research webinar, where we will share key findings, insights, and recommendations from our international research collaboration exploring the links between nature connection, environmental emotions, well-being, and sustainable behaviour. 

The webinar brings together perspectives from environmental psychology and nature-based interventions, presenting results from studies conducted in Finland and the UK. It will be particularly relevant for environmental and health researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in nature-based approaches and sustainability initiatives. 

The webinar will be held in English. 

UK time of the webinar: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.

Programme 

• Welcome and introduction to the project
• Nature spots that matter: A comparison of favourite places in the UK and Finland and their well-being benefits
• Environmental emotions as drivers of pro-environmental behaviour and well-being
• Introduction to the Act with Nature intervention in Finland and the UK
• From connection to care: How the Act with Nature intervention supports well-being and pro-environmental behaviour
• Discussion: Steering Group reflections on the relevance of the results and their potential to inform actions that promote planetary well-being.

Researchers 

Tampere University 
Sampsa Puttonen (Prof.) 
Kirsi Salonen (PhD) 
Kalevi Korpela (Prof.) 
Jane Paakkolanvaara (PhD candidate) 
Salla Seppänen (Master’s student in psychology) 

Jamk University of Applied Sciences 
Katriina Hyvönen (PhD) 
Julija Chichaeva (PhD candidate) 
Jane Paakkolanvaara (PhD candidate) 

University of Surrey 
Eleanor Ratcliffe (PhD) 
Bethany Harries (PhD candidate) 
Hazel Williams (PhD) 
Emily MacDonald (PhD candidate) 

Members of the Steering Group:

Sharon Galliford, Expert by Experience Lead in Clinical Psychology, University of Southampton. She has expertise in eco-psychology and nature-based practice.

Dr. Amy Isham, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, Swansea University. As chair of the Sustainable Wellbeing Research Group, Amy is interested in pathways to enhanced wellbeing that also foster care for the environment. Her research covers materialistic lifestyles, flow experiences, and nature-based interventions.

Dr. Päivi Fadjukoff, Adj. Prof. in Psychology, and Senior Advisor at the JYU.Well School of Wellbeing at the University of Jyväskylä. Her work focuses on fostering collaboration across scientific disciplines, sectors, and societal actors to drive positive impact in the broad field of wellbeing. 

Janne Laitinen, Biologist, Senior Advisor, Jamk University of Applied Sciences. His interest is the viability of local biodiversity and cultural ecosystem services

After registration, participants will receive the Zoom link for the webinar. 

An additional seminar will be held in Tampere, Finland, in Finnish on 20 August 2026.