21st October 2026

The Eden Project and the Duchy of Cornwall partnered to host Nature Connected Lives – the first annual two-day conference that brings together leading voices from health, education, business and the environmental sectors to explore the vital role of nature in supporting people's health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

The inaugural event took place at the Eden Project in Cornwall on 20 and 21 October where leaders explored how access and connection with the natural world can support healthier, happier and more resilient individuals and communities.

The conference featured a programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions and practical examples, including contributions from Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England, and representatives from academia, community organisations and businesses.

Discussions explored the importance of nature connection, from the earliest years of childhood, through adolescence and adulthood, and into the places where people live and work.

The event concluded with a cross-generational discussion exploring the practical actions needed to create a more nature-connected future.

Keynote speeches from expert leaders from across sectors provided a clear message emphasising the vital role connecting with nature plays in shaping happier, healthier lives.

Large and small bodies represented at Nature Connected Lives national gathering included The National Lottery Community Fund, NHS, Natural England, Oxford University, Exeter University, charities The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Wildlife Trust, Youth Environmental Services, Resilient Young Minds, and businesses including Canary Wharf Group, Intelligent Health, Faith in Nature, House of Hackney.

“Nature plays a fundamental role in supporting healthy people, thriving communities and a resilient environment. At the Duchy of Cornwall, we recognise that how we care for and manage our land and communities has a direct impact on people's lives, and that reconnecting people with the natural world is important in creating a society that works for people as a part of nature.

“We were delighted to co-host the Nature Connected Lives conference with the Eden Project, bringing together experts and organisations from across different sectors to explore how nature can support our wellbeing at every stage of life.

“By sharing knowledge, building partnerships and turning ideas into practical action, we have a real opportunity to make nature connection part of everyday life and ensure its benefits are accessible to more people.”

“Eden Project’s founding ambition was always about reconnecting people with the natural world and with each other. Embedding the reciprocal benefits of living nature connected lives is fundamental to our charitable mission and vital for our health in the face of the compound issues we’re facing now. Nature Connected Lives is a nationally significant gathering to build momentum and raise awareness that will help to unlock the health and societal benefits of nature connection so that we can shape a better future for our planet.”

Connection to nature is one of the Duchy’s key priorities, aligning with its strategy to support healthy communities, create nature-rich places and contribute to a net zero future. Nature Connected Lives demonstrates the Duchy’s role as a convenor, bringing together leaders and organisations to drive collaboration around shared challenges, and forms part of its journey to become a world-leading impact organisation.