Feeling part of ‘Big Nature’ is a human need…

Most mornings I wake up and walk my dog in the local park. Even when I’m not feeling particularly awake, stepping into wind, birdsong, or early light reminds me that I belong to something bigger.

But if it’s blowing a gale, freezing and drizzling — or already 36°C by 8am — the walk can wait. On those days, I turn toward nature indoors. I enjoy the textures of timber grain on the table and warmth of ceramics. Noticing indoor nature helps me feel grounded and part of a living world.

We are not separate from living systems.

In commercialised Western culture, humans and nature are seen as separate domains — the “built environment” versus the “natural environment”. But ecologically, psychologically and landscape design, duality does not serve our wellbeing.

Species extinctions, climate instability and zoonotic disease outbreaks all remind us that we are embedded within living systems. When those systems degrade, so do we. The world is changing is many ways. We can decide whether we will participate in that change intentionally, as positive agents.

Urban Life Is Becoming More Indoor.

As extreme weather events become more common, many people — particularly in cities — are spending more time inside. Apartment living is increasing. Private gardens are shrinking or disappearing.

If our only meaningful contact with nature happens on the occasional weekend hike, we are malnourished, and not just in experience, but meaning and emotion.

Nature connection is not a luxury.

An increasing number of people feel spiritually untethered. Traditional structures don’t resonate as they once did. At the same time, technology constantly reminds us of the vastness and volatility of the universe. It’s easy to feel small and isolated.

But need not be helpless observers. We can be stewards. Feeling part of “Big Nature” — not above it, nor separate from it — is deeply regulating. It fosters humility, resilience and active care.

What this means for urban wildlife design.

Bringing nature indoors is important — but it’s only part of the story. We need homes, gardens and shared spaces that function as living habitat — not just decoration.

In urban areas, every balcony, verge and courtyard can:

• Support pollinators

• Provide refuge for small birds

• Grow food

• Cool the microclimate

• Create daily moments of awe

Urban biodiversity stewardship isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about layered, practical design choices that re-embed us in living systems.

When your outdoor space hums with insects, hosts native plants, and changes through the seasons, you don’t need to manufacture a sense of belonging. It’s right there.

A personal practice of integration.

For me, integrating nature into indoor living — and designing outdoor spaces that support wildlife — is both an adaptive and meaningful practice. It’s how I stay steady in uncertain times. It’s how I avoid the illusion that humans are separate from Earth’s living systems.

And it’s how I help others cultivate that same connections — practically, creatively and locally. Because if future generations are to thrive — in cities, in changing climates, wherever humanity finds itself — they will need more than technology. They will need living systems woven into daily life.

And that starts at home.