“Those first impressions of nature are unforgettable,” says forest ranger Tonnis Boersma. “When children see at a young age how nature can inspire wonder, they will take better care of it later in life and visit it more often. And that, in turn, has positive effects on their physical and mental health.”
Playing in nature not only provides oxygen, it also helps children connect with their surroundings, stimulates their creativity and helps them overcome mental barriers and fears. Children, like adults, become calm in nature. And it sparks their curiosity.
It is also crucial for the future of nature in the Netherlands that children come into contact with it regularly. Unforgettable moments that you experience in nature as a child make you want to devote yourself to protecting it as an adult.
Equal opportunities to experience nature
Unfortunately, going out into nature is not equally self-evident for all children in the Netherlands. That is why Natuurmonumenten's youth programme OERRR and the Youth Education Fund have recently started working together to get many more classes outdoors. Over the next two years, the organisations aim to introduce at least 10,000 children to nature.
“One third of children do not spend time in nature, even though climbing a tree, feeling a wriggling worm or discovering what a forest smells like is important for a child's development,” says Hans Spekman, director of the Youth Education Fund. “Research shows that at schools where there is room for relaxation and development opportunities, such as a visit to nature, pupils' academic performance improves. That makes the partnership with OERRR so valuable.”
During their outing in nature, the children went on a nature discovery tour, searched for aquatic creatures and animal tracks, and followed in the footsteps of the wolf. “We didn't see any wolves,” says Sara from Year 8, “but fortunately we did see deer. They ran away when we approached. Or perhaps they were actually fleeing from the wolf?”
Photo caption: Children from a primary school in Dieren went on an adventure in De Veluwezoom National Park in Rheden on 19 June. Photo credit: Roelof Bos.