Primary school parents think spending time in nature should be part of the school curriculum

Nine in 10 parents with primary school-aged children believe spending time in nature should be part of the curriculum, according to new research conducted by Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) as it launches its new primary school programme.

The new research findings reveal almost half of UK parents with children aged 11 or under don’t think their child spends enough time outdoors, despite almost nine in 10 believing that spending time in nature is a very important part of growing up. 

Many parents want to see change. Green spaces such as gardens, trees and playing fields top the list of desired facilities to improve in primary schools. WWF’s research shows 46 per cent of parents would prioritise the improvement of green spaces in their child’s school.

However, 70 per cent of primary schools don’t offer daily opportunities for their children to connect with the natural world. This gap is even wider in low-income communities, where just 18 per cent of students have daily access to nature, compared to 52 per cent  in more affluent schools

To help children connect with nature every day, WWF has launched ‘Happy by Nature’ as part of its flagship ‘Prescription for Nature’ campaign. Aiming to reach one million children by 2028, and starting with those who need it most, the charity’s mission is to help schools across the country turn grey playgrounds into better spaces to experience nature and embed it into everyday learning and play.

Through its programme, WWF is supporting schools by providing funding and expertise, free toolkits, a new learning platform, and outdoor equipment. 

Commenting on the Happy by Nature programme:

Steve Backshall, wildlife presenter and WWF’s new ambassador, said: “I’m really proud to be supporting WWF’s Happy by Nature initiative. Nature has always been a lifeline for me – from my earliest memories right through to now, as a dad watching my own kids light up when they’re outdoors.

“By making time outdoors a regular part of the school day, we can open up a world of discovery, learning and joy – and help raise a generation that’s not only healthier and happier, but more connected to the world around them.”

CEO at WWF, Tanya Steele, added: “Our research shows that spending lots of time in nature can be life-changing for children – lifting their mood, improving behaviour and concentration. Not every school has a woodland on its doorstep, but with a little imagination even a bare playground can become a place where wildlife and children flourish together.

“As another school year swings into action, we’re determined to give every child the opportunity to experience a daily dose of nature – just 20 minutes a day can make all the difference to their wellbeing and future.”

WWF is urging schools and teachers to help pupils get their daily dose of nature at school by exploring the charity’s Happy by Nature Hub and signing up for its free resources.