The benefits of outdoor learning
Outdoor Learning – Nature and Biodiversity
One of the most effective ways of teaching children about nature is to take them out of the classroom and into nature. It doesn’t matter whether that’s with parents, carers or teachers, children need to be able to touch the natural environment to understand, grow and develop.
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Then take a look at who makes up our Advisory Boards, Trustees and Governors.
Then take a look at who makes up our Advisory Boards, Trustees and Governors.
Image Source:Â Malcolm Cochrane
The Impact of Children’s Connection to Nature
Research that confirms that associations between well-being and a connection to nature found in adults can be found in children, while also highlighting specific educational benefits for children. Nature should be part of every child’s life.
RSPB (2015)
Benefits of Nature Contact for Children
This review examines different ways that contact with nature can contribute to the health and well-being of children. It traces research from the 1970s to the present, demonstrating that a compelling body of evidence exists that trees and natural areas are essential elements of healthy communities for children.
Chawla (2015)
Natural Outdoor Environments and Mental and Physical Health
Green spaces are associated with better self-perceived general and mental health across different degrees of urbanization, socioeconomic status, and genders. Physical activity and social supports are unlikely to be mediators. This provides further indications for the importance of these spaces in improving our living environments and supporting our health and wellbeing.
Triguero-Mas, Dadvand et all (2015)
The Benefits of Nature Experience
Compared to the urban walk, the nature walk resulted in affective benefits (decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and preservation of positive affect) as well as cognitive benefits (increased working memory performance).
Bratman, Davie et al (2014)
Children and Nature
Spending time in nature as part of a ‘balanced diet’ of childhood experiences improves mental health and emotional regulation, promotes children’s healthy development, well-being and positive environmental attitudes and values.
