Spending time in nature: A lifelong connection
Jenny Shelton, Editorial Officer, The Wildlife Trusts
Childhood experiences shape so much of who we become, and spending time in nature develops a positive connection with the natural world that can last a lifetime.
The natural world is a constant source of wonder, especially for children, and time spent outdoors is hugely beneficial as little minds and bodies grow.
Even exploring your local neighbourhood park or green space can help a child’s cognitive development, social skills and critical thinking, as well as fuelling blossoming imaginations. Let the shapes of the clouds, the feel of the leaves and the sound of the birds around you spark conversations! By having outdoor adventures – building dens, looking for ladybirds, rockpooling – you’re also creating lasting memories, strengthening bonds with others, and helping nurture a lifelong love of nature.
Nature also teaches children to have respect and compassion for the world and everything in it, from how to handle tiny, delicate insects to the need to water and nurture plants to help them grow. Encourage them to notice the changing seasons and understand how everything is connected: like how we need the trees to give us shade, and the bees to make the flowers grow.
Children are quick to identify with animals, and perhaps that ability to see themselves as part of the natural world is something we can too easily lose in later life. They might notice how ducklings follow a mother duck, for instance, or imagine that something is feeling sad or happy, or spot that other creatures are going to bed just like they are. That kind of empathy is invaluable. Learning about animals doing things differently from us is also a great benefit as children work out their place in the world and appreciate different viewpoints.
Connecting with nature has huge benefits for mental as well as physical health. Simply being outdoors lowers stress levels and improves wellbeing, as well as offering opportunities for running around and letting off steam. Studies have also found that natural environments help shape healthy immune systems, even preventing inflammatory and allergic diseases. A good job, then, that getting muddy is a big part of toddler life!
Connecting to nature doesn’t have to mean big, full-blown excursions into the wilderness: nature is all around, even in the most built-up areas. Let nature meet you where you are and embrace it as part of your daily lives.
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The Wildlife Trusts have wonderful resources for how to notice nature, identify different species and have fun with little ones outdoors!
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This June, join thousands of people in 30 Days Wild: the UK’s biggest nature challenge. Do one wild thing a day, or a few each week. It’s free to sign up, and you’ll receive a pack in the post with plenty of tips and inspiration, plus stickers, trading cards and more: