10 Reasons Forests Benefit Children
Walking in the woods has lots of benefits for children and adults alike.
Forestry England had said "Forests are places to seek adventure, make memories and find escape. For 100 years we've been looking after the nation's forests, so that they can take care of you.
Science backs this up too. Research shows that spending just 2 hours a week in nature significantly improves our health and satisfaction."
Why go outdoors?
A study by the National Trust highlighted that today’s children may be suffering from ‘nature deficit disorder’ because they don’t spend enough time outdoors. One of the UK’s leading commentators on childhood, Tim Gill, explained the significance of spending time in a natural environment: “Natural places are singularly engaging, stimulating, life-enhancing environments where children can reach new depths of understanding about themselves, their abilities and their relationship with the world around them.”
Here are 10 reasons walking in the woods benefits children.
1. It makes them healthier
Many studies were done to explore the health benefits of walks in the forest. They found that being in nature may reduce blood pressure, help maintain a healthy weight and may even boost immunity.
2. It makes them happier
A London study showed that people who live near trees may experience less depression. Another study found that green environments improve mood and self-esteem (both of which are very important for children’s happiness), and that spending time near a lake, river or ocean enhances these positive effects even more.
3. It boosts creativity
Children are more creative when exposed to nature; they can use all their senses rather than just sight and sound; they can use their imaginations. Children in nature-based playgrounds engage in more creative play than children in traditional asphalt/structure-based playgrounds.
4. It boosts social skills
Children who spend more time in nature have more friendships that are based upon inventiveness and resourcefulness rather than physical prowess. A report by the RSPB showed that a positive self-image, confidence, and the ability to face new challenges - all of which are skills children can develop in nature - help children connect with others and develop their social skills.
5. It helps reduce stress and anxiety
Exercising or even just sitting in forests reduces blood pressure and decreases levels of cortisol and adrenalin, the body’s stress hormones. It also puts the body into a relaxed state by increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity. Even looking at photos or drawings of trees has a positive effect.
6. It increases their attentiveness
By spending time in nature, children will learn to pay attention to the seasons, how they change and the wildlife in our forests. It also help them realise why forests and all its inhabitants are important which can help bring up eco-conscious adults who protect nature. In the words of David Attenborough: “No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced”.
7. It improves their learning abilities
A report by the RSPB highlighted that practice of learning outside the classroom – ranging from the use of school grounds to residential fieldwork brings about an educational benefit to children. They report a change in the children’s understanding, feeling and attitudes due to the outdoor natural space providing additional opportunities for critical thinking, creative inquiry and problem-solving.
8. It breaks their routine
A lovely dose of nature is a brilliant way to break the normal routine during the school week. Taking growing explorers to the nearest forest after school instead of after-school activities or the local playground can help them relax during the week and enjoy their freedom outdoors without obligations or rules.
9. They can enjoy natural play with no boundaries or rules
Child-led play is extremely important for little ones. This is the time when they can decide without anyone leading them what they want to do and how they want to learn. The great outdoors is the perfect place for this; they can follow their curiosity and discover the world around them by using their senses.
