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Positive Emotions and Acceptance of Pollinator Friendly Practices

A pilot study investigating the potential role of positive emotions in the acceptance of interventions aimed at improving biodiversity in Newcastle city parks.

Professor Thomas Pollet

Project Lead

Psychology Department

Email: thomas.pollet@northumbria.ac.uk   

 

 

Project Themes

Resilience & Sustainability

Health & Wellbeing

 

Understanding the Challenge

In 2021/22 Urban Green Newcastle co-led the Beelines North East project which created pollinator-friendly habitats in 40+ parks across Newcastle by implementing management interventions designed to enhance floral resources, including relaxed mowing regimes and additional flower plantings. It is possible that positive emotions, such as ‘pride’ or ‘awe’, could influence both learning about nature and improving local conservation efforts. It is unclear, however, whether the Beelines North East approach has been positively received by park visitors in the region. 

 

Our Approach

Working in partnership with Urban Green Newcastle, this project will explore judgments and attitudes towards interventions aimed at improving biodiversity across four city parks, especially in relation to insect pollinators.

The project will survey local residents to investigate the following questions:

  • Is there a relationship between an individual’s park use, i.e. time spent and type of use, and their recognition of grass mowing frequency?
  • Is park use associated with attitudes towards pollinators and conservation?
  • Are attitudes towards pollinators and mowing or floral enhancements for pollinators associated with positive emotions such as pride and awe?

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