Human connection to nature has declined 60% in 200 years, study finds
This article in The Guardian (9 August 2025) points to research by Prof Miles Richardson. This indicates that people risk ‘extinction of experience’ in the natural world without new policies. “More effective, according to the study, are measures instilling awareness and engagement with nature in young children and families, such [...]
Out to Play Guidance for practitioners supporting families
Thrive Outdoors have published a new resource Starting Out to Play Guidance - Thrive Outdoors for practitioners working with families. This shows why it's important to get outdoors and provides suggestions for getting out there and what to do.
Toadstool trails in Dundee and beyond
Listen to this Play Scotland Playwell podcast! This episode of the podcast shares the story of nature trails created across Scotland to encourage families to get out and explore.
Plants for people and families
Plantilfe share ways you can connect with nature, whether that's learning to ID wild plants, visiting a nature reserve or becoming a citizen scientist – with a host of ideas for the whole family, here. Many scientific studies show the benefits of connecting with nature for our physical and mental health. [...]
Developing children’s early understanding of numbers – making mud pies
Resources shared by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) newsletter signpost practices to develop children’s early understanding of numbers. This includes a lovely demonstration video shared here of a childminder playing outdoors with two children, making mud pies, in her small urban garden.
Fifty Things to Do Before You’re Five
The Fifty Things to Do initiative offers a menu of fun, affordable ideas for play and learning with your 0-4 year old in Fife, and other areas. Get daily inspiration from these simple and engaging activities that preschoolers love! Many of these activity ideas can be tried out in an [...]
Logie Timber festival, Forres 7-8 September 2024 – inspiring future generations
Find out about the Logie Timber Festival 7 – 8 September 2024. This is supported by a number of contributors including Scottish Forestry with its own programme . The Saturday programme will focus on Industry Innovations and the Sunday programme on Inspiring Future Generations. Within both days there will be [...]
Celebrating a love for nature, across generations
The Children & Nature Network share a Stat Sheet on the benefits of family engagement in nature. This shows that spending time outside with a trusted guardian as a child is one of the leading factors that contributes to becoming an adult who takes environmental action.
