The moose migration on TV soothes the soul and strengthens our connection to nature

“Viewers describe how the sound of wind, birds and rain creates a sense of presence, and how the slow pace of the broadcast helps them unwind. Many say the programme reminds them of childhood memories, past experiences in nature, or places they feel a personal connection to,” explains Minh-Xuan Truong, researcher at SLU.

Den Stora Älgvandringen (‘The Great Moose Migration’) is a live, uncommented nature programme that shows animals and nature in a place in Ångermanland where the moose have a crossing point over the river. The programme is a typical example of ‘slow TV’ and has millions of viewers around the world, and there is a Facebook group with over 90,000 members. 

Minh-Xuan Truong from SLU has used surveys distributed via social media and the programme's chat to investigate how the programme affects viewers' experiences of nature and the relationship between humans and nature. The results were recently published in the journal People and Nature.

Overall, viewers of Den stora älgvandringen (The great moose migration) report feeling a strong connection to nature. This was most pronounced among those who live close to nature, spend time outdoors regularly, and are environmentally engaged. The sense of connection also increased with age.

“The most common reasons why people follow the programme are their appreciation of nature’s beauty, interest in wild animals, and the fact that it has become a tradition. Some describe it as a symbol that spring is on its way.”

Minh-Xuan Truong has also explored the values held by the audience. Most respondents say they feel a sense of responsibility for nature and do not view humans as its masters.

Den stora älgvandringen seems to function as a window into the natural world. What creates the feeling of presence is primarily the natural soundscape – the murmur of the river, birdsong, and the wind. Some viewers even reported being able to sense the smell of rain or spruce. They also appreciate that the footage is unedited – sometimes animals appear, sometimes not, just like when one is out in the forest.

The silence, the slow-moving images and the beauty of nature offer viewers a break from everyday stress. Some described how the programme alleviates headaches and anxiety, while others emphasised the calming effect of seeing animals in their natural habitat.

“Perhaps this is exactly what people need right now, in a world troubled by war, the climate crisis, and threats to biodiversity,” says Minh-Xuan Truong.

The live chat during the broadcast has also proven to be important – it creates a sense of community and enables the exchange of knowledge about animals and nature. Research shows that this social interaction can strengthen both emotional and cognitive connection to nature, and in some cases inspire environmental engagement.

“Digital outdoor experiences appear to promote recovery and connection to nature in a similar way to real-life experiences. Of course, they can never replace actual time spent in nature, but they may serve as a valuable complement – especially for those who find it difficult to get outdoors.”

Facts about the study

Minh-Xuan Truong analysed 2011 survey responses from people who follow The Great Moose Migration. Participants were recruited via social media and the live chat on Den stora älgvandringen. 75 per cent of respondents are women and 40 per cent are over 65 years of age. 

Scientific article

Truong, M.-X., van Heel, B. F., & van den Born, R. J. G. (2025). When moose cross the screen: Fostering human–nature connections through a Swedish Slow TV nature broadcast. People and Nature, 00, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70166