Time To Go Down To The Woods Again

I remember a song from my childhood (Teddy Bear’s Picnic by Anne Murray) which went:

 

Back to Nature Garden

The month of May always means the world renowned annual Chelsea Flower Show - and this year, the Duchess of Cambridge from the British royal family has been in the news with her Back to Nature Garden (co-designed with Andrea Davies and Adam White). This lovely garden included a small woodland complete with tree house, waterfall, rustic den and a campfire, along with tree stumps, stepping stones and a hollow log for children to play on or even in.

The garden was inspired by childhood memories that are triggered by the natural world, promoting the physical and emotional well being for young children (in particular) that access to green spaces and gardening provides. The Duchess of Cambridge's own children had a helping hand in decorating the garden, and gave it their seal of approval by trying everything out.

Here is a link to see more about the Back to Nature Garden.

Encouraging our children to enjoy the outdoors

Researchers have found that if children can play outdoors for at least an extra 40 minutes a day, this provides additional protection for their eyes and can even prevent them from becoming short sighted. Known as myopia, being short sighted means that you can only see things clearly when you are up close to them. As parents, do your best to prise your children away from the ever present distraction of technology and make holiday time a more natural time – one that they will remember for years to come. And once you have made these changes during the summer holiday months, continue on with the good work in the other seasons too. There is absolutely no reason to stop! Modern restrictions on children often result from Health and Safety rules and regulations but, instead of keeping them safe, they are being deprived of valuable life lessons and the exercise they need for healthy psychological and physical growth. We cut down on their physical activity and then wonder why they cannot concentrate in school. It is time for all of us, including our children, to make the effort to go down to the woods again!