Saving Childhoods in the Forest

[Knomester]

I thought this might be of interest to some of you...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/jun/28/save-childhood-forest-schools?CMP=twt_gu

[david_carnell]

Thank you. That was very interesting. I've been following the development of this idea for a few months since the National Trust released their report into childhood and the outdoors. I remember the saddening statistic that A&E now see more children from falling out of bed than from falling out of trees.

Some parents may see this as progress towards safety. I see it as anaethetising childhood till it becomes joyless.

I met a freelance outdoor educator recently who spends his time training and convincing teachers that it is beneficial to allow free play in the great outdoors without tick sheets and organised play. A tragedy that such a role needs to exist.

Mini-DC is only 4 months so a little young to "play" but he loves being outdoors and finds trees to be the most captivating mobile. I'm determined to ensure he is allowed freedom to explore nature as soon as possible and will look forward to scraped knees, muddy faces and slugs in jars in the coming years. The groups based in Dulwich Woods and Brockwell Pk both seem to indicate like-minded parents nearby - a cheering thought.