Why nature play?

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:

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