It is becoming widely acknowledged that children do not spend enough time outdoors enjoying the countryside and taking part in slightly riskier activities like den building and climbing trees. In his book ‘Last Child in the Woods’ the author, Richard Louv, has coined a phrase ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ which describes a growing problem.

A recent survey by the National Trust asked 3000 parents what their favourite childhood memory was.

The results included:

• Playing games in the garden/park
• Building a den
• Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat
• Learning to ride a bike
• Swimming in a British sea, lake or river
• Climbing a tree
• Going to the cinema for the first time
• Going on rides at a theme park
• Flying a kite

The majority of their memories involved being outdoors and enjoying its resources - healthy and cheap entertainment that develops creative thinking, logic and an understanding of nature. The survey also found that 38% of children now spent less than 1 hour outside and 23% of children spend more than 14 hours a week in front of a television or computer. The National Trust acted on this and developed their Wild Child campaign.

Most parents say fear stops them from letting their children go out by themselves even though statistics would state that their chances of being attacked or kidnapped have not increased dramatically – it is just that the media create the impression that every child will be kidnapped and create the fear.

Now the problem has been recognised many organisations are trying to encourage children outdoors – to climb trees, build dens, get dirty, learn about nature and learn how to work with others. Forest School is just one way that helps promote the ability of children to learn once they are back in the classroom but Richard Louv has other recommendations in his book:

• Establish a ‘green hour’ as part of the family routine to climb a tree, look at flowers and insects or just go for a walk through the countryside (look on the Woodland Trust's Nature Detectives site for ideas)
• Even if you can’t identify animals, birds or plants, go for a long walk chatting about what you can see or hear
• Plant a garden or windowbox with quick growing plants or vegetables

The most important point is that your child gets outdoors and gets muddy in their early life. Through the experience they will learn about the wildlife around them, learn about the importance of trees and how they keep us alive learn to be creative and learn about themselves.