Mud in the news

How playing in dirt boosts your health

‘Research over the last decade or so has shown the many ways in which the microbes and bacteria in dirt can help boost our immune systems, especially those of younger children’.
Treehugger, July 2017, updated 30 August 2019

Mud mud glorious mud

Blog post & lovely muddy video clip asking the questions “What’s so good about mud anyway? Why are kids driven to jump in with all the vim & vigour they can, declaring ‘It’s a Peppa Pig Paradise!’ Why does mud cause so much joy?”
Jenny Sanderson, Badgers Forest School Bristol, 14 March 2019

Mud, glorious mud

Lovely blog post looking at the joys and benefits of mud play, and also sensitively considering the concerns that some practitioners, parents and children might have.
Tales from the Sandpit, 5 June 2018

It’s official: muddy kids learn best

“Outdoor learning for children might be breaking into the mainstream – and having seen the benefits first-hand, I’m thrilled”, says writer Patrick Barkham, discussing his children’s award-winning outdoor nursery and forest school.
The Guardian, 23 October 2017

Dirt is NOT Dirty – How Playing in the Dirt Benefits the Immune System

The benefits of playing with dirt and why children are drawn to it.
Wake Up World, 2015

Mud Play

How to create a mud patch; appropriate clothing; informing parents; mud activity ideas, and useful links.
Early Childhood Ireland, c2015

Making a mud kitchen

An exploration of the benefits of mud play, with reference to our very own Making a Mud Kitchen book!
Community Playthings, 2014

The mud centre: recapturing childhood

'This is the story of an early childhood programme staff’s decision to share the joys of mud with children through the creation of a mud centre.'
Community Playthings, 2014

Mud, marvellous, mud

The benefits of mud play, simple mud play ideas, mud kitchens and the adults' role.
Community Playthings, 2014

8 Benefits of Playing in the MUD

Adventures at Home with Mum, 2013

Mud is good for you, right?

Adventures at Home with Mum, 2013

The Mud Kitchen - A Recipe for marvellous Outdoor play

Adventures at Home with Mum, 2013

Parents put mud pie making top for toddler development

Survey of 1000 parents by Cow & Gate on activities children should do before they are three (the ‘Potty List’).
BBC News, 10 January 2012

Marvellous Mud

by Rusty Keller. A warm, engaging article on the joys of a mud patch.
Childcare Exchange, 2011 (pdf)

Let your kids get dirty

Five ways (of many) that dirt can benefit your children, and tips for doing it.
The Art of Simple, 2010