A quotation of loving nature (6)

I believe the answer is:

tender

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'loving nature' is the definition.
'tender' can be an answer for 'loving' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not sure about the 'nature' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tender that I've seen before include "proposal" , "Soft - gentle - nurse" , "Caring" , "Ship's boat" , "Dinghy towed by a yacht" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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