Making Wild Law Work—The Role of ‘Connection with Nature’ and Education in Developing an Ecocentric Property Law

Abstract

Framed against the background of anthropocentric and ecocentric values, the specific themes of this article are located in the developing discourse of Earth Jurisprudence and Wild Law. Critically, the article argues that connection with nature—and specifically, with land—underpins any transformation of property law from an anthropocentric, individualist concept to a more ecocentric and relational one. It draws upon evidence from psychology, sociology and environmental education to demonstrate that connection with nature is central to fostering a Wild Law of property. The article then addresses how such connections can be developed by education, focusing upon the experiences and opportunities offered by initiatives such as Forest School and suggesting these represent emerging forms of Wild Education.