There is a growing body of evidence and research data about the positive impacts for children who spend time playing in nature.
Some of these include:
- Development of gross and fine motor skills
- Developing social skills
- Development and formation of environmental awareness and stewardship for the environment
- Improving child well-being both physically and mentally
- Development of empathy and care for the natural environment and for each other
- Ability to engage their imagination and creative learning
- Learning how to take measured risks and gaining the benefits
- Opportunities for critical thinking and problem solving
- Engagement with the wider world including the cosmos, the climate and the earth’s elements
Research and Reports:
Play England
http://www.playengland.org.uk/media/130593/play-naturally.pdf
Forest school report Canada
http://www.forestschoolcanada.ca/wp-content/themes/wlf/images/FSC-Guide_web.pdf
Wild about Play UK
http://www.playwork.co.uk/media/8501/wap_research_report.pdf
Bush Kinder
http://www.wgkg.vic.edu.au/bush-kinder/bknews/bushkinderevaluationreport
Futerra 2010 Branding Biodiversity Futerra Sustainability Communications http://www.futerra.co.uk/downloads/Branding_Biodiversity.pdf, 16 July 2011
Thomas G and Thompson G 2004 A Child’s Place: Why Environment Matters to Children Green Alliance/Demos, UK
The Earth Charter Initiative: Values and Principles for a Sustainable Future n.d http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html 21 Sep 2011