COVID 19 - Does nature-based citizen science enhance well-being and mitigate negative effects of social isolation?

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There is concern about the negative impacts of COVID-19 movement restrictions and socialdistancing on people's wellbeing and mental health. Engaging with nature is known to positivelyimpact upon people's wellbeing and this has been promoted by many organisations. Evidence ofthe benefits of nature-based activities on wellbeing has come from 'noticing nature' activitieswhere people pause and enjoy nature, sometimes with a creative response (e.g. writing ordrawing). Nature-based citizen science is another way of connecting with nature and has theadded value of collaboration and having a specific purpose, but its benefits have not so far beenevaluated. We will undertake a large-scale randomised trial of the impact of citizen science and/or'noticing nature' activities on people's nature connectedness and wellbeing, promoted throughbroadcast, print and social media. The outcome will be evidence-based recommendations on theuse and design of nature-based citizen science to mitigate the negative effects of social isolationduring the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.