What does the evidence tell us about children and nature?

Nature enhances children’s learning and development – programs increasing nature contact have identified beneficial effects on children’s personality development, cognitive functioning, attitude and school behaviour.

Playing in a natural environment assists with building children’s motor skills – better motor performance has been identified in kindergarten children who had access to a more natural play environment when compared to children with access to a more urban play setting.

Nature is associated with good mental health – contact with nature, especially during middle childhood, has been indicated as having an important role to play in children’s mental health.

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