Friluftsliv i skånska landskap

Sammanfattning: Previous studies have shown a correlation between nature connection and pro environmental behavior. Simultaneously, urbanisation amongst other causes has led to decreased human contact with nature. However, local outdoor recreation is considered an option for spending time in nature despite living in urban areas. Drawing from the above, there are reasons to study whether local outdoor recreation could function as a tool to strengthen the nature connection amongst the population. This study aimed to investigate outdoor recreationists habits and perceptions of local outdoor recreation as well as the strength of their nature connection. The study was conducted using a survey on Scanian outdoor recreation practitioners including Nature Connection Index (NCI) to measure the nature connection. The study showed that whilst most of the participants generally seemed pleased with the local outdoor recreation opportunities, work needs to be done to improve the accessibility of outdoor recreation areas. Half of the sample did not visit outdoor recreation areas to the extent that they wished with the biggest constraint being time and difficulties with transport. To most of the participants, cars seemed to be central for the practice of outdoor recreation. Furthermore, the participants had a relatively strong connection to nature, with the connection being strongest amongst women and those who visited recreation areas more frequently. The result suggests that local outdoor recreation is important for the creation and maintenance of nature connection. Further research is needed to examine nature connection in a larger scale on the Swedish population as well as determine how local outdoor recreation can work as a tool to strengthen the connection to benefit both public health and the environment.