Tag Archives: National Trust

National Trust shares my plea for benign neglect

Posted on February 5, 2013 | 8 Comments

child on a beach at sunsetToday the National Trust’s Outdoor Nation website posted a piece from me that aims to win parents over to the goal of expanding children’s horizons. I had to think carefully when writing it.

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Posted in Child development, Learning, Outdoor play, Parenting, Risk

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Can you match your screen time with wild time – and encourage children to do the same?

Posted on September 4, 2012 | 12 Comments

The movement to reconnect children with nature has just had a shot in the arm, with the launch yesterday of a new website and campaign to get 1 million children away from screens and out of doors. Called Project Wild Thing, the campaign is the brainchild of the film-makers Green Lions, along with supporters that include the National Trust, Play England, and food giant Arla.

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Posted in Nature, Outdoor play

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Is ‘nature deficit disorder’ the right rallying cry?

Posted on April 10, 2012 | 15 Comments

Rosa in a riverThe term ‘nature deficit disorder’ – as used by the National Trust in its recent report – has come in  for criticism, in a Guardian article, and in a post by playwork academic Wendy Russell on Play England’s Love Outdoor Play website. I share some of the concerns raised. But I think too much semantics is being made of the phrase. The critique also takes too little account of what the children and nature movement is actually saying and doing.

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Posted in Nature, Outdoor play

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National Trust calls for action on children and nature

Posted on March 30, 2012 | 8 Comments

NT Natural Childhood report coverThe National Trust this morning announced a two-month inquiry into children’s relationship with nature. Launching the inquiry with the publication of a report written by leading naturalist and broadcaster Stephen Moss, the Trust – Britain’s biggest charity, with over four million members – calls for concerted action to reconnect children with the natural world.

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Posted in Nature, Outdoor play, Public policy

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If a play area is the answer, what is the question?

Posted on October 6, 2011 | 7 Comments

Amager ark play space outside CopenhagenI have been working with the National Trust since 2009 to engage more children and families in their unique properties, coast and countryside, through playful offers and activities. I am now pleased to be able to share one product of this work, a ‘think piece’ on play spaces written in 2010. Continue reading →

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Posted in Nature, Outdoor play, Play spaces, playground

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