The Nature of Nature: How New Zealand Women in Middle to Later Life Experience Nature-Based Leisure

Learning from leisure: Developing nature connectedness in outdoor education

“…The colours, smells, detail, "feel", and "sense" of nature were frequently talked about alongside the physicality of the leisure activity. Dynamic and holistic understandings of nature shaped by and through leisure activity rather than one dimensional definitions were evident (Cosgriff, Little, & Wilson, 2010), as was a sense of being "lucky", "grateful", or "privileged" for being able to recreate in sensory, nature spaces. Furthermore, a connectedness with nature was expressed which meant that most women clearly described themselves as part of, rather than separate to nature.…”

“…The wider analysis of women's meanings of nature revealed a complexity and depth of description (Cosgriff, Little, & Wilson, 2010). Nature was thus sensory, emotional, and spiritual in its description.…”

“…In this section, I selectively draw on findings from the women and nature-based leisure study that have been more fully reported in an earlier paper (Cosgriff, Little, & Wilson, 2010). The study New Zealanders 8 and one was a Mãori woman.…”

“…In describing the reciprocity that appeared to be at least in part a 'natural' consequence of this connectedness, many women articulated an active regard and caring for nature both when they were engaged in leisure activity and in everyday living (Cosgriff, Little, & Wilson, 2010). For example, when tramping, Amy commented that she did not just "rip through the bush" when there were no defined paths or tracks.…”

“…Everyday, familiar local spaces and places were thus a primary site for the leisure activity that fostered the connectedness with nature that women expressed. While women participated in a range of nature-based activities in an array of settings, it was repeatedly noted by many women that nature was central to the leisure experience rather than just a backdrop for physical participation (Cosgriff, Little, & Wilson, 2010). This was evident in some women's negative responses to using indoor sites like a gym to engage in physical activity, as well as their discussion about the importance of the 'being' and 'doing' components of their memorable nature-based leisure experiences.…”