COVID Rewilding Project; Experiences of nature during COVID-19

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Environment, Social Impacts

This research will test how COVID-19 and associated restrictions on public space and physical distancing have affected people's relationships with nature and wildlife. With the need for physical distancing, have parks become more important? Do people increasingly recognize parks and wildlife as essential to their ability to cope? Are reports of increased wildlife in cities regarded with hope, or fear? Using online surveys of urban residents across North America, this research will test how relationships with nature are changing, and if that change is affecting people's willingness to prioritize conservation, especially in cities.