Tag Archives: public policy

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 Health, Nature, Outdoor play, Public policy

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Is a taste of freedom the key to a good childhood?

Posted on January 13, 2012 | 6 comments

Yesterday’s launch of the Good Childhood report from the Children’s Society has prompted more soul-searching about childhood. Coverage has focused on the report’s finding that half a million of the country’s children aged 8 to 16 – nearly 10 per cent – had a low sense of well-being. This is indeed a troubling finding – even if some of those children will become happier over time. Yet this media focus, while understandable, misses out a far more important message: the crucial value of a taste of freedom and autonomy. Continue reading →

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Posted in Mobility, Outdoor play, Public policy

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Why does nature matter to children? What’s the evidence?

Posted on November 28, 2011 | 15 comments

Sowing the seeds literature review coverWhat happens when children spend time in natural environments – and what happens if they do not? What does the empirical evidence say? And what other insights might the research literature hold? These were the questions that I wanted to answer in my literature review [pdf link] for the Sowing the Seeds project – published on 17th November, alongside the main report. Continue reading →

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Posted in Child development, Education, Health, Learning, Nature, Outdoor play, Public policy, Public space

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London moves to reconnect children with nature

Posted on November 18, 2011 | 21 comments

Sowing the seeds report front coverMy new report Sowing the Seeds: Reconnecting children with nature was launched at City Hall yesterday morning. The report, written for the London Sustainable Development Commission (the body that advises the Mayor of London on sustainability) sets out a new vision for children’s relationship with nature, and maps out an action plan to reintroduce nature into their lives.

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Posted in Child development, Health, Learning, Nature, Outdoor play, Public policy, Public space

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Do parents hold the key to Play England’s future?

Posted on September 28, 2011 | 18 comments

Blackpool rollercoasterAdrian Voce’s recent departure as Director of Play England is also a point of departure for the organisation that, in its previous guise, I used to run. Play England has been on one hell of a roller-coaster ride, as Adrian will be the first to agree. Continue reading →

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Posted in Outdoor play, Parenting, Public policy

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Childhood and risk: what messages would you give to the Palace?

Posted on September 23, 2011 | 23 comments

I have been invited to Buckingham Palace in November, to discuss with the Duke of Edinburgh how to promote a more balanced approach to risk and adventure in children’s lives. And I’m asking for your help in deciding what to say to him. Continue reading →

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Posted in Public policy, Risk

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