Miles Richardson

Professor Miles Richardson serves as Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby, working within the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care and the School of Psychology. He leads the Nature Connectedness Research Group and has established significant partnerships with major conservation NGOs including the National Trust, RSPB, and The Wildlife Trusts. His work focuses on understanding and improving human connection with nature for both environmental and wellbeing benefits, with notable projects including the £1.3m IWUN project and development of the National Indicator of Nature Connection (NCI).

Richardson's primary research explores nature connectedness and human factors through multiple lenses. His groundbreaking "pathways to nature connectedness" framework (contact, emotion, compassion, meaning, and beauty) has been recognized as one of the UK's 100 best breakthroughs by Universities UK. His research investigates how simple nature engagement interventions like "30 Days Wild" can improve mental health and wellbeing while fostering pro-environmental behaviors. He has published extensively on measuring nature connectedness, developing interventions, and understanding the psychological mechanisms behind human-nature relationships.

His recent publications show a clear trend toward developing practical applications of nature connectedness research. The work spans from theoretical frameworks (pathways to nature connectedness) to practical interventions (30 Days Wild, smartphone apps for urban nature engagement) and large-scale population studies (Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment). His research increasingly incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, combining environmental psychology with human factors, public health, conservation science, and urban planning.

• Named by Universities UK as one of the UK's 100 best breakthroughs for pathways to nature connectedness research
• Member of Natural England research strategy group
• Collaborator with major conservation organizations (National Trust, RSPB, Wildlife Trusts)
• Principal Investigator for the £1.3m IWUN project

Richardson has secured substantial research funding, most notably the £1.3m IWUN project where he develops nature connectedness-based interventions to improve mental health. He leads the Nature Connectedness Research Group and has mentored numerous students and early-career researchers. His work has directly influenced conservation practice through collaborations with major environmental organizations and the development of the National Indicator of Nature Connection. He regularly presents findings to policymakers and has contributed to national strategies for connecting people with nature.

Richardson founded and coordinates the Nature Connectedness Research Group at the University of Derby and launched the Nature Connections conference series in 2015. His team has developed several evidence-based nature engagement interventions and works closely with conservation organizations to translate research into practical applications. The group maintains strong partnerships with The Wildlife Trusts (notably the 30 Days Wild campaign), RSPB, and National Trust, ensuring research has real-world impact on both human wellbeing and environmental conservation.