N is for Nature

A Natural Childhood

However technological our world becomes, the importance of immersing ourselves in nature will never wane! In fact, we believe it will only grow and even more so for our children! It was Stephen Moss who said, ‘nature is a tool for children to experience not just the wider world, but themselves.’ It provides them with a greater understanding and respect for that world while fuelling their sense of exploration, discovery and adventure, giving them opportunities to solve problems, learn and enrich their senses through its abundance of textures and materials. We might not all be lucky enough to live on the edge of the wilderness but there are plenty of companies helping to make nature accessible to all and nurture future earth lovers. Here’s just a few.

The Den Kit Company

A fellow Friends of Joules firm, The Den Kit Company is a celebration of children’s ingenuity, innovation and creativity, based on a shared belief that children are at their best when enabled to play outdoors, unhindered by adult instruction and prescriptive activities; that outdoor play allows them the freedom and autonomy to create and imagine, promoting creative problem solving, increasing attention spans, reducing anxiety, widening vocabulary and improving communication skills. Plus of course, it’s enormous fun! We couldn’t agree more! Designed and hand-made in rural Shropshire, the company’s kits appeal to children’s natural sense of adventure and discovery. As well as a range of themed den making kits they also have potion, flower pressing, herbarium and entomology kits. https://thedenkitco.com/

Microadventures with Alistair Humphreys

We love the idea of ‘microadventures’ as championed by the brilliant Alistair Humphreys. A microadventure is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. They are the perfect way to encourage kids to get out in nature and experience and enjoy the many wonders it has to offer. They aren’t about complicated planning or logistical faffing around and you don’t need to live in the wild corners of the country to have one. As Alistair says, the wilderness is closer than you think!  Most of us are defined by a 9-5 life, but Alistair flips this idea on its head, looking instead at what he can do in those hours between five and nine. Ok, it’s not always as easy as that when you have kids, work, school etc, but instead of flopping down in front of the TV of an afternoon can you go do something memorable like climb a hill, watch a sunset, build a den in the woods, go paddleboarding. The possibilities are endless! And come the weekend, what child doesn’t love a good old-fashioned bit of camping?! https://alastairhumphreys.com/

Forest Schools

Based upon a philosophy of child-led learning, encouraging play, exploration and supported risk-taking, forest schools and outdoor nurseries have seen a real surge in popularity over the last few years. Originating in Scandinavia, they seek to develop confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. As well as boosting curiosity and problem-solving skills which often involves working as a team and therefore improving social skills, they also promote a deep and meaningful connection with the world and an understanding of our place within it. And of course, they keep children physically active throughout the day. To find your local forest school visit www.forestschoolassocation.co.uk

Wildlife Watch

Part of The Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Watch is for kids who love exploring the great outdoors and finding out about the weird and wonderful creatures we share our world with. As well as monthly membership which includes a free magazine, posters, stickers and a handbook, the charity runs over 50 local groups across the UK, where children can meet and enjoy exploring the environment together, undertaking activities such as nature inspired art projects, waste recycling, barn owl surveys, and pond dipping. The website and YouTube channel are also full of cool facts, inspiring ideas and top tips about what to look out for and things to do to help our wildlife. Plus, it’s heartening to know, that there are actually more wildlife reserves run by the Wildlife Trust than McDonalds stores, so there’s bound to be one to discover near you. www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Earthwise

Designed by an experienced forest school leader and environmental educator, these brilliant nature inspired kids subscription boxes have been designed to reconnect young people with the natural world. Each box comes with two plants to grow from seed, two natural craft activities using seasonal items children have collected from nature plus a nature quiz, bingo and 16-page activity booklet printed on recycled paper, all supporting the national curriculum. The large majority of the contents are peat free and organic, plus as a social enterprise, profits are reinvested to provide free boxes and events for disadvantaged families. www.earthwisebox.co.uk