Getting kids into nature starts at home

I love the National Trust in the UK, partly because they always have lovely cafes and the most delicious cakes at all of their places, (at least the ones I've had to good fortune to visit...) but also because they are committed to protecting historic places and green spaces.

Recently they sought submissions from experts and the public for their Natural Childhood Inquiry and the results can be found here.

"Inquiry respondents said parents need more accessible child and family-friendly green and natural spaces and that opportunities for children to access and enjoy nature need to be promoted in a more joined-up fashion, and in ways that appeal more to families and children.

Much more could be made of the smaller everyday opportunities for children to play outdoors close to home to connect with nature on their doorstep and parents should look to draw more on networks of family and friends, especially grandparents, to help share the load of their children getting outdoors more.

Time learning and playing outdoors also needs to become a bigger element of the typical school day."