Benefits of access to nature

Challenging Behaviour – A balanced brain means a pro social mind

Jon Cree explores what is a ‘balanced brain’, and how Forest School can help bring the brain into balance and the child regulate their behaviour.
Circle of Life Rediscovery Blog, 27 March 2019

Visual Impairment and the Importance of Nature

‘A recent study by Dr Sarah Bell explores the various ways ‘nature’ feature in the lives of people with visual impairment. The Sensing Nature study delves into the important role nature experiences therefore have on childhood. Here we share Dr Sarah Bell’s latest research findings.’
Outdoor Classroom Day, 5 September 2018

Outdoor Play Equipment For Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

Starting with a definition, its effects, and how schools can help children with SPD, the benefits of the outdoors on this group is followed by a list including mud kitchens, water & sand play, and a magnifying glass.
Pentagon, 26 June 2018

Nature is the best way to nurture pupils with special educational needs

‘Outdoor education doesn’t just engage students with complex needs in the curriculum, it teaches life skills too.’
The Guardian, 1 May 2016

Kids with autism benefit from outdoor classroom

‘Teachers say daily time outside is changing the way young students — including those with special needs — learn and behave.’ Looking at the benefits of outdoor play & connecting to nature, in a variety of different settings across Canada, with children with a range of needs.
Toronto Star )Canada), 5 July 2013

Could Exposure to Everyday Green Spaces Help Treat ADHD?

Evidence from Children’s Play Settings. ‘This study examined whether routine exposures to greenspace, experienced through children’s everyday play settings, might yield ongoing reductions in ADHD symptoms.’
Wiley Online Library, 4 August 2011

Ask project: Sensory Trust

Ask was a UK-Japan initiative involving disabled children in the planning and evaluation of public outdoor space, to help designers create outdoor environments where all children can play and learn together. This page links to further reports and conference summaries. 2008.

A Potential Natural Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:

Evidence From a National Study. “The findings outlined … suggest that common after-school and weekend activities conducted in relatively natural outdoor environments may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.” Frances E. Kuo, PhD and Andrea Faber Taylor, PhD.
US National Library of Medicine, September 2004

How Outdoor Play Can Be Beneficial for Children with Special Educational Needs

‘Exploring the world outdoors can help children with SEN to overcome challenges & learn new skills, building their resilience, and boosting their self-confidence. And this in turn has a hugely positive impact on their mental health. ‘
Pre-School Learning Alliance (no date)