In the warm hazy days of Summer, we feel a natural pull towards the great outdoors. It's easy to connect to nature when the warmer weather draws us into gardens, parks and into the sea.
But as the leaves start turning and the jumpers start returning... many of us begin to lose this small but critical contact with nature.
Yet with our wellbeing closely linked to our connection with the natural world, it’s never been more important for us to nurture our relationship with nature, even as the seasons change.
Why is it important to connect to nature in Autumn?
According to the UN, our collective connection to nature is broken.
A close nature connection is linked to improved well-being and mental health, but also pro-environmentalism.
The age of convenience has fractured our relationship with the natural world. And for many of us, our well-being falters as a result.
![A quote from UN Secretary-General Mr Guterres. It reads... "[there is an] urgent need to transform our relationship with nature."](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0611/1713/7125/files/UN-quote.jpg?v=1728395613)
How to connect with nature in Autumn…
So, while a dip in the sea might be less enticing... Autumn still offers some unique opportunities for us to connect with nature.
It’s the season of mushroom hunting, meteor spotting and noticing the stirring changes happening in the natural world.
Below we've gathered together a collection of unique ideas, habits and autumnal projects that can help you connect to nature and rewild yourself this Autumn…
1. Head Outdoors — Everyday!
Rain or shine. There’s nothing as grounding as an Autumnal walk after being cooped up inside while working.
You could practice forest bathing, try nature photography or simply head out to enjoy the colours of autumn.
The benefits of heading outdoors in autumn…
- • Boosts your vitamin D levels
- • Regulates your circadian rhythm
- • And it can also boost your gut microbiome!
The fresh air, connection to nature, exercise and even the exposure to vitamin D will all help to raise your serotonin levels which can give your mental health an autumnal boost.
2. Bring Seasonal Food to the Table
Connect to nature this Autumn by appreciating the current abundance of local produce!
With supermarkets filled with food from around the globe, many of us have lost an appreciation of the seasonality of produce and the connection to nature that this brought.
Use this handy guide from the National Trust to see what’s in season right now in the UK, and try to plan a few meals that revolve around it!
You could visit a local farmers market or farm shop to stock up on ingredients and plan a meal with produce that is sourced as locally as possible.
3. Look Up
As the skies begin to darken in Autumn, the night sky comes alive with meteors, glimmering stars and the beautiful glow of distant planets.
Look out for celestial shows in Autumn like the Draconid meteor shower or Jupiter and Saturn appearing in the night sky.
Looking up and contemplating the stars is always a grounding experience that makes us appreciate our place in the natural world.
4. Celebrate Seasonal Events
Autumn isn’t only about Halloween! From the Autumn Equinox in late September to Samhain in October (the original Halloween celebration!).
The autumnal months were seen as a time to celebrate the abundance of summer and carry hope and light into winter.
Nature based celebrations and events in the UK, like the Autumn Equinox, offer an opportunity for us to tune into the cycles and seasons of the natural world.
5. Fungi Spotting
Autumn is often known as one of the best seasons for fungi foraging.
Once you start to notice them, you’ll be amazed at the variety of mushroom shapes, colours and names that you’ll find here in the UK!
From the eye-catching ruby red caps of the (poisonous!) Fly Agaric. To the warm honey tones of (the edible) Chicken of the Woods.
Always remember to ID with care and seek expert advice before adding any wild mushrooms to your recipes.
6. Plant Autumn Veggies
Growing your own veggies is an incredibly grounding and satisfying experience. But as Autumn rolls around, many of us throw in the trowel as popular veggies like tomatoes and courgettes won’t survive a frost.
But there are other veggies that will…
Garlic, asparagus, beetroot, broad beans and lots of leafy greens can all be sown in Autumn. Carrying the satisfaction of growing your own (and that inherent connection to nature) right through the year.
7. Bring Nature Indoors
Darker days and wintry weather influence how likely we are to head outdoors in Autumn. However, there are other ways for us to find contact with the natural world…
Adding natural textures into your home, like wool blankets, wooden baskets or an autumnal display, brings a part of nature inside.
Branches, mini pumpkins, seed heads, pinecones and other natural objects can create a seasonal display that connects you to nature even when it’s too dark or blustery to head outside.
Other ways to bring nature inside…
- • Add some windowsill herbs
- • Grow microgreens!
- • Add some houseplants to your space
- • Use natural essential oils like pine, lavender or cedar!
8. Get Involved in a Local Project
From volunteering at the local nature reserve to litter-picking walks. Lots of local areas run community projects (tea and biscuits often supplied!) that give you a reason to head outdoors in Autumn.
If there isn’t anything nearby… you could even start your own! Even a simple litter pick gets you into the great outdoors and provides a satisfying sense of purpose.
9. Evaluate Your Outside Space
If you have access to your own outdoor space, see if there are ways to make it look more natural and inviting.
Studies have shown that being surrounded by greenery in Autumn and Winter, and even watching the birds, can boost our wellbeing.
How to improve your outside space this Autumn…
- • Add some evergreens!
- • Install some bird feeders
- • Add winter-flowering plants like heather or hellebore
- • Plant Spring bulbs
10. Notice The Natural World
Autumn is a time of change in the natural world. Migratory birds are coming and going, and our native wildlife is answering the age-old call to prepare for the icy cold of winter.
Noticing nature forms one of the pillars of the 5 pathways to nature connectedness. Admiring a dramatic sunset after a storm, actively pausing to listen to birdsong, or noticing the earthy aroma of a damp forest floor.
These small acts ground us and remind us of our place in the natural world and our relationship to it.
So this Autumn, make a conscious effort to try and notice more.
To help you could…
- • Visit a local wetland centre or nature reserve to see if you can spot any winter migratory birds arriving.
- • Set aside 15 minutes each day to pause and just watch the activity in a local natural environment. E.g. your garden, local park, or woodland.
Autumn often goes hand in hand with a new seasonal cough or cold… find out how you can give your immune system a boost with the beneficial botanicals and prebiotic fibre found in Jamu Wild Water.
Related Read | How Jamu Stacks Up Against Other Drinks!
You may also be interested in…
- Can Spending Time Outdoors Really Boost Our Gut Health?
- 9 Seasonal Events And Festivals To Connect With Nature In The UK
- Why Is Nature So Important To Happiness?
