Natural play grounds in schools

Last week the states of South Australia and Queensland announced their committment to natural play in schools. The timing was interesting in that it co-incided with Richard Louv's visit. He addressed audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide on the impacts from his books The Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle. In those books he discusses the idea that today's children are disconnected from nature, and suffer as a result.

Australia is known for being an active sporting nation, but also for soaring childhood obesity rates. That natural play is being introduced across the 2 states is significant. The World Health Organisation has published data to show that rising healthcare costs associated with lifestyle-related disorders are unsustainable, in all countries. In Australia, as in the US, UK and elsewhere, although some people play organised sport, many children would rather sit indoors and play computer games. As has been shown in multiple international studies, humans are hard wired to respond to nature connections and postive natural experiences. When we are connected with nature our mental and physical health is improved and we are less liekly to suffer from lifestyle related diseases. Natural play initiatives aim to facilitate health and well-being through environmental design affordances.

State governments recognise the link between child health, educational outcomes and the importance of nature connections. In the UK we work with schools, Early Years and Family Centres to design and develop the environments to afford such experiences. In the US we also work with schools to create natural play and outdoor learning environments. In Russia, Portugal, Ghana and Malaysia we have worked with local providers to design for natural play in safe school settings. Regardless of the culture, the climate or the budget, a nature play solution is cost effective. Benefiting academic outcomes, social cohesion, health and well-being, environmental design solutions can provide a win:win for all.

Outdoor learning environments can be informal outdoor classrooms, playful spaces or growing areas

Nature play requrires natural materials

Natural play grounds in schools in a safe stream channel

When we advise schools, governments and not-for-profits around the design of school playgrounds and outdoor learning environments they can be sceptical at first. However, as soon as we show the evidence from around the world of the massive positive effects they quickly become interested. When we explain that natural play grounds in schools actually cost less than a  manufactured solution to design, develop and maintain, they are hooked.

Sustainable design requires a long term view. Health and well-being are long term goals that benefit from immediate gains. Gains in mental and physical health are seen within weeks of installing natural play grounds in schools. These benefits flow on to improved classroom behaviour, enhanced social interractions, raised academic outcomes and improved community links.

Natural play grounds in schools cost little, require little manufactured product, but create huge positive impacts

The business case for the development of natural play and outdoor classrooms within schools is strong. 2 states in Australia have initiated programmes to support the development of natural playgrounds in every school in their jurisdiction within the next 24 months. Who will be next?