All children need nature

Children spend more than 4 hours a day with various electronic media.

“ HUMANS ARE DISAPPEARING FROM THE OUTDOORS AT A RATE THAT WOULD MAKE THEM TOP ANY CONSERVATION IST ’ S LIST OF ENDAGERED SPECIES.” Tim Gill, The Ecologist IMAGE: ALEX NAIL PHOTOGRAPHY

The Department of Health recommends children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. For the under -5 s the recommended time is 3 hours.

“ EVERY CHILD MUST REMEMBER LAYING THEIR HEAD IN THE GRASS, STARING INTO THE INFINITESIMAL FOREST AND SEEING IT GROW POPULOUS WITH FAIRIES.” R. L. Stevenson

Even a 20 minute walk in nature can help children with attention deficit hyperactivi ty disorder ( ADHD ) concentrate better.

LISTEN..... THE WIND, THE RAIN, THE TREES AND THE EARTH ARE SPEAKING IMAGE: ELENA SHUMILOVA

Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce stress levels. Outdoor exercise improves mental and physical well - being more so than indoor activity.

Nature Deficit Disorder is a term coined by American author Richard Louv in 2 OO 5 to describe how children are spending less time outdoors and its impacts.

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