Nature connectedness; what is it, why is it important, and can we boost it? Researcher Sam Gandy joins us in this episode to explore the concept of nature connectedness, which is s key predictor of us taking actions that are good for the planet and is also of huge benefit for our mental health and wellbeing. His research takes us to some fascinating places, including the research looking at the role that psychedelics such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms) have in quickly and deeply enhancing our feelings of connectedness with nature. Plus, we also take a splash through the role of beaver wetlands in improving feelings of nature connectedness, too.   Hear more from Sam: https://twitter.com/SamwiseGandy The potential synergistic effects between psychedelic administration and nature contact for the improvement of mental health (2020) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2055102920978123  Potential psychological benefits of nature enrichment through the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) to Britain: A narrative literature review (2021) https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sam-Gandy-4/publication/356221528_Potential_psychological_benefits_of_nature_enrichment_through_the_reintroduction_of_the_Eurasian_beaver_Castor_fiber_to_Britain_A_narrative_literature_review/links/61929b7b07be5f31b7846897/Potential-psychological-benefits-of-nature-enrichment-through-the-reintroduction-of-the-Eurasian-beaver-Castor-fiber-to-Britain-A-narrative-literature-review.pdf    ** Today we are sponsored by WILD Deodorant, the all-natural, eco-friendly, and refillable deodorant that really works. Truly, we both use WILD every day and love it. Get 20% off your first purchase from www.wearewild.com with code 'EARTH20' **   Get in touch Enjoyed the episode? Got an idea for another topic? Just want to say Hi? Get in touch with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter or by email at forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. While you're here, make sure that you've subscribed so that you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5- star review to help new listeners find us!   Order your FWIE Teeshirts and sweatshirts They're organic cotton, printed on demand and suuuper comfortable. Plus, they help us keep the podcast going: https://forwhatitsearth.teemill.com/