Call to give children more access to natural spaces

Children are losing out by losing touch with nature, according
to a new study.

The think tank Demos warns that children are losing their
connection with the natural environment, and points to a big gap
between children from affluent rural backgrounds an those from
disadvantaged urban backgrounds in terms of their access to the
outdoors.

The worse a local environment looks, the less able children are
to play freely and develop the understanding and commitment that
will equip them to face the environmental challenges of the future,
says the report which is due out this week.

Children’s well being, and the quality of the environment are
closely linked, and children are very strongly aware of their
environment, especially in terms of assessing danger.

Demos is calling for new ways to allow children to experience
green spaces, both in the countryside and through “green school
design”.

It recommends that the Department for Education and Skills
creates an entitlement to out of classroom learning for all
children. It suggests extended schools should be monitored on the
basis of the number of trips they offer children.

A child’s place: why environment matters to children. A Green
Alliance/ Demos report.