Not the Last Child in the Woods

Richard Louv gave stark warnings of the future in his book 'Last Child in the Woods'. Highlighting the disconnection of young people (and adults) with our environment, with outdoor play and the impacts on health, creativity and social interaction. So it was great to visit Windemere School where one of their stated aims is:

 "Use our unique location at the heart of mountains, lakes and rivers as our greater classroom for adventure and adventurous learning, where our students will learn directly about the environment, each other and themselves'

Even in the preparatory school they have a programme of outdoor activities, including a forest school and expectations of climbing trees! But there is a clue in the word preparatory. 

 'eco-pod' classrooms at Windemere Prep School

This is a private school, one where each child place brings in at least three times the funding of a state school pupil place. So why is it that in a well funded school, there is such an emphasis on playing outdoors, experiencing nature, rather than the latest hi-tech games and gadgets. Simply because the staff know that they are preparing future citizens to work well together, to be healthy, to be successful in their lives whatever they will become, as they say:

 "we start to nurture the life skills that we believe are so important in children’s education – self awareness, independence, motivation, decision making, confidence and social empathy"

There is no fear here of taking pupils outdoors, of encouraging and developing leadership and motivation, self reliance and yes even fun. Fine you may say, that's fine when parents are prepared to pay, but most children rely on state provision where budgets are being cut, paperwork, rules, regulations are used as a reason for not teaching, for not going outdoors.

But the problem here is our political thinking. Surely in an age of 'professional' politicians where they go straight from school to university and into politics we are entitled to expect 'joined up' thinking. Policies that recognise that investment in the future of our children will mean more success for industry, less health problems, less social problems and so increasing investment in school, in the environment will bring lower costs in other areas and more benefits for all.

The view from Orrest Head across to Langdale

But this isn't a new problem and people in the past recognised and acted on this. Following the school visit I went for a walk up Orrest Head, a fantastic viewpoint just a short walk away, but importantly a viewpoint, a piece of land, donated to the people of Windemere by Henry Heywood over a hundred years ago for their continued enjoyment and health! Nearby are Elleray Woods, donated by Bruce Rigg in 1923. These were men who recognised the health and social benefits of our natural environment and used their position (and money) to help others. If we all follow their example, we'll be healthier, wealthier and there will still be children enjoying the woods!