Staff profile

Professor Miles Richardson


Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness

Professor Miles Richardson smiling whilst wearing goggles on his head

Subject

Psychology

College

College of Health, Psychology and Social Care

Department

School of Psychology, University of Derby Online Learning

Research centre

Human Sciences Research Centre

ORCiD ID

0000-0002-7223-7053

Campus

Enterprise Centre

Email

m.richardson@derby.ac.uk

About

I am Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness and lead the Nature Connectedness Research Group. The focus of our research is understanding and improving our connection with nature, because of the well-being and environmental benefits. Since launch in 2013 I have worked with a number of conservation NGOs, including the National Trust, RSPB and on 30 Days Wild with The Wildlife Trusts. Recent projects include the £1.3m IWUN project where we continue to develop nature connectedness based interventions to improve mental health.  I am member of a Natural England research strategy group and working with partners on a national indicator of nature connection, the NCI. I launched the Nature Connections conference series in 2015.

Research interests

Researching our connection with nature and ways to improve it, for the benefit of nature's and human wellbeing. I am founder and coordinator of the Nature Connectedness Research Group and Nature Connections conferences. Find out more at my blog findingnature.org.uk and on Twitter @findingnature.

Membership of professional bodies

Recent publications

Courses

Green Care Code - one man in nature, one surrounded by technology and distractions

Simply, Stop – Look – Listen and Enjoy Nature! Here, Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at Derby, explains why this simple Green Care Code is all it takes to help improve your own and nature’s wellbeing.

Out of focus bushes frame two Sparrows sat on top of garden fence

Dr Iain Hamlin, Post-Doctoral Researcher, and Professor Miles Richardson, Head of the Nature Connectedness Research Group, examine how noticing, connecting with or spending time in nature during the coronavirus lockdowns has affected the wellbeing of both ourselves and our natural environment.

A woman riding a bike down a gravel path in a wooded area

Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby, has been working with The Wildlife Trusts on new research which shows the feel-good factor from simple daily engagement with nature can last for months, once initiated. Here, he discusses the latest research and how to make the most of spending time in nature during the current lockdown.

A Robbin sitting on a Cherry Blossom twig

Professor Miles Richardson explains the benefit of noticing nature while our mental wellbeing is challenged by the impact of coronavirus.

Person sitting cross legged and meditating next to a lake

Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby, explains new research has shown that having a close connection with the natural world is a key to us feeling passionate about our environment and better about ourselves too.

Group walking and hiking through bushes

Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness, looks at the importance of building a new relationship with the natural world.

Climbing

Our groundbreaking pathways to nature connectedness research is improving people's wellbeing and conservation behaviours. It has been named by Universities UK as one of the UK’s 100 best breakthroughs, for its significant impact on people’s everyday lives.

A bee on a flower

Dr Miles Richardson, Director of Core Psychology Programmes for the University of Derby Online Learning, explains how people can become closer to nature.