As humanity grows further and further from its connections to nature, a recent talk says getting back to our roots could provide a healthy boost.

University of South Australia researcher Dr Philip Roetman will discuss the notion of biophilia this week.

He says the talk will explore ways people can connect with the great outdoors, expressing the innate affinity humans have with nature.

“Embracing our natural and cultural heritage has the potential to greatly enhance our lives through a better connection and appreciation of our surroundings,” Dr Roetman says.

“Research indicates that the more time we take to savour, engage and connect with our surrounding environment, the healthier and happier we become.

“My research explores people’s attitudes to nature and endeavours to get more people connecting with the natural environment.

“We don’t need to all rush out and hug a tree but we can make space in our lives every day to see, hear, touch or smell the plants, animals and landscape around us.”

Dr Roetman says citizen science is a fantastic way to get people involved in the natural world.

This year, he will lead several ‘BioBlitz’ events, intense periods of biological surveying that attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Dr Roetman is calling on members of the public to take part.

He will discuss the ideas further in an address this Thursday the 24th at the Successful Ageing Seminar: Adelaide’s riches: making the most of our abundant natural and cultural heritage.

More information on the University’s exciting and engaging citizen science projects is available here.