Benefits found for children living near woodland
This article in Child in the City (18 August 2021) shares research findings that suggests that proximity to woodlands links with better cognitive development and a lower risk of emotional and behavioural problems in children and young people. The lessons learned could help influence planning decisions in urban areas.
Muddy knees and climbing trees
This article in The Conversation (4 August 2020) shares the evidence that shows how playing outdoors can help children’s health and wellbeing, and connect them with the environment.
Outdoor natural spaces support mental health
Read this update to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) evidence report on green and blue spaces and mental health.
Nature supports family connections
The Children & Nature Network have signposted research articles on parent-child communication in different contexts. Parent-child communications can improve in the outdoors. See how shared outdoor adventures can create, maintain and enhance family well-being.
Urban green spaces are ‘vital’ to children’s development – UNICEF
This Child in the City article (20 July 2021) notes UNICEF’s new report which highlights evidence to show that green spaces can provide enormous benefits to children and should be easily accessible to all young people living in cities.
Muddy Faces outdoor practitioner summer E-zine
Check out this free to download online Muddy Faces magazine. This month includes feature articles on hand washing, while Jan White delves into The Natural Play Principles - and much more!
Risk tolerance, risky play and resilient youth
A fascinating podcast, with script, shared by the Forest School Association. It has a Canadian context, but could be used to stimulate discussion within any setting or family.
Nature and your Health
This comprehensive article Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health by Jim Robbins published by the Yale School of the Environment (9 January 2021) points to the beneficial effects that exposure to the natural world has on health, reducing stress and promoting healing in adults and children, from the [...]
