There is a huge body of evidence to support the benefits of children accessing nature and learning outside. This evidence comes from a variety of sectors and sources, including academic research, government-led reviews and third sector reports.
Click on the images below to read a selection of this evidence base. If you would like to submit or suggest further evidence, please contact us.
A review of nature-based interventions for mental care (Natural England, 2016)
Community Green - Using local spaces to tackle inequality and improve health (CABE, 2010)
Wellbeing benefits from natural environments rich in wildlife (The Wildlife Trusts, 2015)
The Impact of Children's Connection to Nature (RSPB, 2015)
Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review (BMJ, 2018)
Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) - 10 Year Review (Natural England, 2019)
Nature contact, nature connectedness and the associations with health, wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours (Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2020)
Tackling Obesity is Everybody's Business (Public Health England, 2017)
Exploring Gender Differences within Forest School as a Physical Activity Intervention (Children, 2018)
A new era for young people's mental health (Young Minds)
1 in 4 Young People Struggling with Mental Health in Britain Aren't Getting Help in Lockdown (Global Citizen, 2020)
Additional Useful Literature
Bringing Children Closer to Nature Report of a survey on Forest School and outdoor learning in England (Sylva Foundation, 2019)
A Green Future: The Government's 25 year Plan to Improve the Environment (DEFRA, 2018)
Here to Stay - Building a legacy from access to nature (Natural England, 2012)