If you’ve spent any time online recently, you’ve probably come across the phrase “go touch grass.”
Originally a tongue-in-cheek internet saying encouraging people to log off and step outside, it’s become one of the most recognisable expressions of the past few years. But behind the joke lies a surprisingly good idea.
Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve our wellbeing, reduce stress and help us feel more connected to the world around us. And the best part? You don’t need to climb a mountain or disappear into the wilderness to experience it.
At the Wainwright Prize, we believe some of life’s richest moments begin with simply paying attention.
So, if you’re looking to touch grass this summer, here are a few ways to start.
You don’t need binoculars or an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds to enjoy birdwatching.
Start by listening. Which birds do you hear on your morning walk? Which ones visit your garden, local park or nearest green space?
Learning to recognise just a handful of common species can completely change the way you experience your surroundings. Once you begin noticing birds, it’s hard to stop.
Few things pair better than a good nature book and a patch of shade on a warm afternoon.
Whether it’s a bench in your local park, a picnic blanket beneath a tree or your own back garden, reading outdoors helps us connect the stories on the page with the landscapes around us.
The Wainwright Prize celebrates books that deepen our relationship with the natural world, and sometimes the perfect place to read them is within it. Discover some of our previous winners here.
The more we know, the more we notice.
Challenge yourself to learn just one new wildflower this week. It might be an oxeye daisy, a red clover or a common knapweed growing beside a footpath. Suddenly, every walk becomes a little more colourful.
Nature has its own rhythm, and watching the light change is one of the simplest ways to slow down.
Find somewhere peaceful, leave your phone in your pocket for a while, and let yourself simply observe.
You might be surprised by what you notice when you stop rushing.
Forget counting steps or chasing personal bests. Walk without a destination. Pause to watch a butterfly. Listen to birdsong. Notice the scent of rain on warm earth or the texture of tree bark beneath your fingertips. Sometimes the best walks are the ones where you arrive nowhere in particular.
One of the things we love most about the natural world is that it’s always there, quietly waiting for us to notice it.
You don’t need expensive equipment, specialist knowledge or hours of free time. Whether you’re spotting birds on your lunch break, reading outside for half an hour or learning the names of the wildflowers on your street, these small moments help us build a deeper connection with the places we live.
And perhaps that’s what touching grass really means. Not escaping the modern world, but remembering that we’re part of something much older, richer and wonderfully alive. So this summer, we hope you’ll spend a little more time outdoors. Slow down. Look closer. And let nature surprise you.
If you’re looking for more ways to deepen your connection with the natural world, explore the books celebrated by the Wainwright Prize. From personal journeys through wild landscapes to stories of conservation, they remind us why spending time in nature, and protecting it, has never mattered more.