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Short Abstract

This pilot study explores how combining live music and biodiversity observation can enhance Nature Connectedness (NC) in young people. Using non-traditional recruitment channels to recruit participants, the approach offers pathways to engage new audiences in citizen science.

Abstract

The Natural History Museum of Denmark facilitates multiple national citizen science programs, primarily focused on gathering biodiversity observations. Participants actively seeking such projects are defined here as nature curious. As part of the EU-funded TETTRIs project, novel engagement methods were tested to reach new audiences. To explore new entry points into citizen science, targeting young people, the museum partnered with musicians from the global Sounds Right campaign—an initiative launched by the Museum for the United Nations (UN Live) to connect music with environmental action. The musicians invited their fans to join nature excursions blending biodiversity observation with live, improvised music.

This pilot study examined whether these excursions could enhance Nature Connectedness (NC), a psychological construct linked to wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour. Four excursions in Denmark (n=51; ages 8–29) combined species identification, meditation, guided reflection, and musical co-creation. NC was measured pre- and post-activity showing a significant mean increase. Qualitative reflections highlighted sensory immersion, emotional resonance, and rediscovery of connection with the living world.

By using NC as an entry point, this art-science approach presents and promising method for broadening participation in biodiversity-based citizen science activities. With the Sounds Right initiative having a global reach, there is potential for the methods to be out scaled.