Understanding Nature Connection and Wellbeing
This unit introduces learners to the evidence-based connections between time in nature and improved physical and mental health, with a focus on mindfulness as a tool to deepen that relationship. Learners will explore how mindful engagement outdoors can enhance wellbeing and will create a personalised plan incorporating nature-based activities into daily life. The content supports practical application through direct participation and reflective planning.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Open Awards Level 1 Award in Nature Connection and Wellbeing (RQF) is designed to help you explore how spending time in nature can improve your mental and physical health. This qualification covers key topics such as the benefits of nature for wellbeing, practical activities to connect with the natural world, and how to reflect on your experiences. It is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which builds essential life skills for personal development and progression.
By studying this award, you will learn to identify different natural environments, engage in simple nature-based activities like mindful walking or wildlife observation, and understand how these experiences can reduce stress, boost mood, and increase overall wellbeing. The course encourages you to keep a nature journal, set personal goals, and share your learning with others. This qualification is ideal if you are looking to improve your own wellbeing or support others in doing so, and it provides a stepping stone to further study in health, social care, or environmental subjects.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Nature connection: The sense of being part of the natural world, which can be developed through regular, mindful contact with nature.
- →Wellbeing: A state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.
- →Mindfulness in nature: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment while outdoors, e.g., noticing sounds, smells, and textures.
- →Nature-based activities: Simple tasks like tree identification, cloud watching, or creating natural art that foster engagement with the environment.
- →Reflective practice: Using a journal or discussion to think about how nature activities made you feel and what you learned about yourself.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand how nature connection can support physical and mental health 1.1 Describe two ways nature can support physical health 1.2 Describe two ways nature can support mental healthUnderstand mindfulness and how it supports nature connection 2.1 Define ‘mindfulness’ 2.2 Describe how being mindful in nature can support wellbeingBe able to participate in nature-based activities 3.1 Demonstrate own participation in three mindful nature-based activitiesBe able to create a plan using nature-based activities 4.1 Create a personalised wellbeing plan
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for describing two distinct nature-based physical health benefits, with specific examples (e.g., improved fitness from walking, boosted vitamin D from sunlight).
- Award credit for correctly defining ‘mindfulness’ as paying deliberate, non-judgmental attention to the present moment.
- Award credit for demonstrating three separate mindful nature-based activities, evidenced through observation, logs, or reflective accounts.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡When describing how nature supports mental health, use specific terminology like ‘restoration of attention’ or ‘stress reduction’ and ground answers in the learning materials.
- 💡For your wellbeing plan, include a clear structure: the activity, the mindfulness technique used, and how it fits into your routine to show intentional design.
- 💡Collect evidence during activities—photos, short notes on sensations or thoughts—to strengthen your demonstration of mindful participation.
- 💡Keep a detailed nature journal throughout the course. Include dates, locations, weather, your feelings, and any changes you notice. This provides excellent evidence for your portfolio.
- 💡Use specific examples from your own experiences. Instead of saying 'nature makes me feel calm,' describe a moment when you watched a bird and felt your breathing slow down.
- 💡Link your learning to the assessment criteria. For each activity, explain which learning outcome it meets (e.g., 'This walk helped me understand LO2: Describe the benefits of nature for wellbeing').
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing mindfulness with simply being relaxed or daydreaming in nature, rather than intentional present-moment awareness.
- Listing only general benefits of exercise without linking specifically to natural environments (e.g., improved fitness from any walking, not specifically in green spaces).
- Planning nature activities without describing how they will be mindfully practised, missing the intentional awareness component.
- Misconception: You need to be an expert in nature or live in the countryside to benefit. Correction: Even a small garden, local park, or a potted plant can provide meaningful nature connection.
- Misconception: Nature connection is only about physical exercise outdoors. Correction: While walking or gardening helps, simply sitting quietly and observing nature can be equally beneficial for wellbeing.
- Misconception: The award is just about having fun and doesn't require any work. Correction: You must complete reflective tasks and demonstrate understanding of how nature affects wellbeing to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Understanding Nature Connection and Wellbeing
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •No formal prerequisites are required for this Level 1 award, but a willingness to spend time outdoors and reflect on personal experiences is helpful.
- •Basic literacy skills to complete simple written reflections or use a journal.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand how nature connection can support physical and mental health 1.1 Describe two ways nature can support physical health 1.2 Describe two ways nature can support mental healthUnderstand mindfulness and how it supports nature connection 2.1 Define ‘mindfulness’ 2.2 Describe how being mindful in nature can support wellbeingBe able to participate in nature-based activities 3.1 Demonstrate own participation in three mindful nature-based activitiesBe able to create a plan using nature-based activities 4.1 Create a personalised wellbeing plan
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