Play and Nature

Exploring and experiencing the potential and challenges presented by the natural world and the four elements is a human behaviour that contributes to our wellbeing, resilience and our survival as a species.  

Playing with the elements contributes to children's knowledge and appreciation of the world around them - the joys and the dangers, the strengths and the fragilities of natural organisms and forces.  

Nowadays, for a range of complex reasons, many children and young people are impeded from playing in natural environments - this is particularly the case for some disabled children. 

The Welsh Assembly Government Play Policy (2002) states the need for the provision of play environments that compensate children for the loss of natural spaces in which they can play.  Children and young peoples play experiences can be extended in a setting or situation where there are experienced adults who understand and facilitate their play. 

For the reasons outlined above, there is a move towards the provision of natural play areas where there are such features as tree trunks, grassy mounds, sand, gravel and natural planting.  Such play areas are designed to change naturally with the seasons to provide different play experiences throughout the year.