Share your memorable moment in nature and help create #OurNatureStory

PUBLISHED ON: 5 JUNE 2023

The New Forest National Park is globally important for nature with many rare plants and animals.

Our beautiful landscapes and wildlife are under threat from the climate and nature emergencies, but uplifting and relatable messages of hope and joy are more likely to inspire people to take action to protect them.

Launching this World Environment Day (Monday 5 June), throughout June and July we’re calling for people to share their memorable moments in the outdoors – to build a picture of how people connect with nature, and what makes it special to them.

The best entries will be shown on the New Forest National Park Authority’s social media channels @newforestnpa and at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in July, where you can also find out more about the New Forest’s Nature Story at the NPA marquee.

Everyone who submits a story will be entered into a prize draw on 31 July 2023 to win a £100 online voucher.

#OurNatureStory is a compilation of snippets, poems, words, films, pictures, photos and memories, all capturing YOUR special moment in nature.

Now’s your chance to show how nature leaves its imprint on you and share with others the beauty of the natural world.

Taking part is easy

Post your video/photo and text across Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook with the hashtag #OurNatureStory
Tag @NewForestNPA
Challenge three friends to share their nature story by tagging them in.

Perhaps you’d like to share an impactful memory from childhood, a fun experience with friends or a beautifully tranquil time alone.

Is your favourite nature moment outdoors in a quiet winter landscape? Or in spring amid riotous birdsong? Could you share a line about nature in the summertime? Or a memorable autumn stroll?

It could be the fleeting chance of seeing a rare species for the first time, or watching the sun set over a heather-purple heathland on a dog walk. Your memorable moment in nature could be on land, water or coast, and anywhere in the world – not just the New Forest National Park.

Prof. Gavin Parker, New Forest National Park Authority Chair, said: ‘It’s well-documented how being in the outdoors has a positive effect on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through stories, rather than through facts and figures, people are likely to be inspired to take action for the environment. Stories are everywhere – they feature in most conversations, and according to research by Stanford University, “Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone”.

‘We hope people will help create an uplifting collection of nature moments and stories that we can all be inspired by, to help us connect with and care for our natural world.’

You can share your memorable moment in nature in just one line – or more if you’d prefer.

Top Tips

Hold your phone vertically when you’re filming
Try to keep your video clip to around 30 seconds
It could be just you talking, a voiceover over some shots of a place, or a mixture of both
You don’t have to film in the place you’re mentioning
Or post a photo with some text about your nature story.

#OurNatureStory