There are huge benefits in providing children with opportunities to have regular access to outdoor environments. The following quotes and links are just a start to show you how outdoor learning can create a positive impact in a variety of different ways.

‘Sir Ken Robinson’s award-winning work on creativity in education makes him a natural advocate for our movement. His belief that outdoor play and its benefits are “vital for education” and “vital for our families” resonates with our belief that playful children grow into great people.’ Dirt is Good campaign 2016 http://www.dirtisgood.com/uk/truth-about-dirt.html

…evidence indicates that direct exposure to nature is essential for physical and emotional health. For example, new studies suggest that exposure to nature may reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)…

Louv, R, 2009, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-De cit Disorder, London, Atlantic Books

The reports from the schools show there is no single approach to set about it or one person who can take it on and be successful by themselves. If a whole-school approach is to be achieved, and the partial status of sustainability is to be overcome, then it cannot be a journey that is travelled alone.

Birney, A & Reed, J, 2009, Sustainability and renewal: findings from the Leading Sustainable Schools inquiry project, Main report, Nottingham, National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services. Available at http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk/docinfo?id=33296&filename=sustainability-and-renewal-full-report. pdf

Dr Stuart Brown is a world-renowned expert on the importance of physical play in child development who believes children’s “immersion in the outdoors” and “in dirt” is “important for their long-term health and wellbeing”. Dirt is Good campaign 2016 http://www.dirtisgood.com/uk/truth-about-dirt.html