Wetlands are often under-appreciated despite their ecological importance. A new study from the Hub’s Nature Connection team uses the human–nature connection framework to investigate how people experience wetlands in Tasmania and what that means for fostering meaningful relationships with nature.
Research context & methods
- The research was conducted across 14 different wetland sites in Tasmania, covering a range of types and settings.
- The authors carried out semi-structured, on-site interviews with 62 visitors to those wetlands.
- The aim was to uncover how visitors experience these landscapes (positively or negatively), their awareness, appreciation and what may enhance or inhibit connection to wetlands.
Key findings
- Thematic analysis revealed five major themes (and 12 sub-themes) grouped into three hierarchical levels of human–nature connection:
- Experiential / direct experience: the “Muddy Marvels” of being awed by things in wetlands (like birds), or “Dismal Swamps” reflecting negative perceptions.
- Human interaction / social dimensions: how visitors relate to other people in wetland environments, enjoyment of solitude with wetlands being “Paradise for the Recluse”
- Philosophical / worldview level: how wetlands fit into visitors’ broader perspectives, and how they can become “Hidden Landscapes” lacking recognition.
- Visitors’ experiences varied a lot: some found wetlands full of wonder, discovery and a sense of connection; others found them uninviting or undervalued.
- The research found that providing access to wetlands isn’t enough. The quality, meaning, and diversity of experiences matter for fostering stronger human–nature connections.
- The authors suggest that wetlands are often “hidden landscapes” both physically (less visited) and cognitively (less appreciated), which means that raising awareness and designing richer experiences is crucial.
Implications for policy & practice
- For conservation and wellbeing agendas, the paper emphasises the importance of creating wetlands-based experiences that are targeted, immersive, contemplative and transformative, and with consideration towards where best to target these efforts given conservation needs.
- Wetland managers and policymakers are encouraged to:
- Provide accessible information about wetlands and tailor experiences to visitor preferences.
- Design experiences that go beyond just ‘walk here’ but that incorporate sensory, emotional and reflective elements.
- Cultivate ecological consciousness by making wetlands visible, valued and meaningful in the public mind.
- The research highlights the need to recognise diverse visitor motivations, backgrounds and experiences.
Why this matters for human-nature connection efforts
The study shows that nature connection is multifaceted: it includes direct sensory experience, social and cultural dimensions, as well as deeper philosophical/worldview aspects. This is important for lesser-known or “hidden” ecosystems like wetlands. Understanding how people perceive and engage with them is critical if we want to build stronger connections and ultimately better environmental stewardship. This work also adds nuance to the broader narrative that nature connection isn’t simply about access, it's about meaningful engagement, diversity of experiences and relational depth.
