…a blog written by Advocacy Officer, Shreoshi Das, originally published for Citizen Science Month 2026
This spring, Nature Connectedness at Night is back; a pioneering citizen science project that explores how engaging with nature after dark can affect our wellbeing, our relationship with the natural world, and our motivation to protect it.
Working with the University of Derby, the project centres on two accessible surveys – Buglife Safari, a nighttime exploration of your garden or local green space using a torch to observe nocturnal bugs, and Curious Craneflies, a simple light-sheet survey to attract nocturnal insects, especially craneflies. Neither requires special equipment, rural access, or prior knowledge. Just curiosity, and a willingness to explore outside when the sun has set.
Connecting with nature…
There’s a substantial and growing body of evidence that connecting with nature can significantly boost our mental and physical health, improve quality of life, and even reduce the risk of depression. Simple acts of noticing, such as smelling flowers, listening to birdsong, or watching clouds have been shown to foster a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.
Citizen science projects, where people contribute to real scientific research, have also been shown to increase environmental awareness and encourage eco-friendly behaviours. But here’s the twist: almost all of this research has focused on daytime nature experiences. This is where our study is aiming to address a significant gap in research and literature. While previous research has highlighted the benefits of citizen science and nature engagement, very few studies have examined the impact of nighttime activities. This project is among the first to investigate how after-dark nature experiences affect well-being and conservation attitudes.
Why the night matters…
Research by Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group has already demonstrated that connection to the night sky is significantly linked to mental health and wellbeing, and people living in more light-polluted areas feel less connected to the natural night environment and are less motivated to protect it. The night offers a quieter, calmer sensory landscape, where sounds and movements usually lost in daytime activity come alive. This creates an ideal condition for exploring the nocturnal life. And crucially, it is the nighttime when many insects come to life; Craneflies, moths, beetles, glow-worms, and other invertebrates become more active, giving us an opportunity to engage in slow, mindful bug-watching.
But the night is under threat! Bugs at night are not just fascinating, they are an essential part of the ecosystem and increasing light pollution is disrupting their populations around the globe. Protecting the dark and reducing artificial light at night isn’t only about the countless nocturnal species but also about us. When artificial light erodes the natural darkness, it doesn’t just disorient moths or masks the glow of glow-worms; it severs a connection that people have had with the natural world after dark for as long as we have existed.
What happens when we engage with nature after dark?
That’s the question the Nature Connectedness at Night project aims to answer.
Whether you enjoy spending time in nature or appreciate the quiet magic of the night, this is your chance to be a part of an important study. By participating in ‘Nature Connectedness at Night’, you will not just be observing nocturnal insects – you’ll be helping to uncover how nighttime nature experiences can shape our well-being and deepen our bond with the natural world.
We’re looking for curious participants to take part in nighttime nature activities. Clicking on the links below will take you to the surveys where you will be given the full details about taking part and be asked some important questions helping scientists to understand how we are connected to nature at night
- Curious Craneflies – Make a simple, light sheet using our step-by-step guide, with a white bedsheet, sheet of paper or similar and torch, leave it outside for a couple of hours, and record what you find – especially craneflies! Sign up for Curious Craneflies at derby.questionpro.eu/t/AB3vBA2ZB3wWDt
- Buglife Safari – Head out with a torch and explore your garden after dark, observing the fascinating world of nocturnal invertebrates. Sign up for Buglife Safari at derby.questionpro.eu/t/AB3vBA2ZB3wWED
By studying participants’ wellbeing, environmental attitudes, and sense of nature connectedness before and after the surveys, the research will help advocate for the nocturnal environment. Your observations will help shape how we think about conservation, mental health and the night. This experience is a wonderful way to slow down and witness the vital work nature carries out on its night shift.