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Kids encouraged to enjoy mud, mess and minibeasts

BBC A group of young children from Butterflies pre-school kitted out in waterproofs and yellow high-vis jackets. Three staff members are behind them wearing their own coats and pink high-vis jackets. They are all cheering and holding mini plastic magnifying glasses. BBC
Early intervention means children can learn to love the outdoors, according to the States Early Years Team

More than 350 children have taken part in 'Going Wild' days at the King George V playing fields in the past year.

It is an initiative run by The Health Improvement Commission which aim to allow children from early years settings and Key Stage 1 to engage with the environment around them.

Funded by The Nature Commission's Strategy for Nature Fund, it has meant children have been able to discover insects, play in the outdoors and make the most of the natural environment at the KGV's woodland trail.

Elaine Allen, Owner Manager of Butterflies Pre-School, said: "It's a known fact children learn so much more outside... They love it."

'Ever-so muddy'

"We put them in their all-in-ones and out they go, all year round."

Alun Williams, Be Active Lead at the Health Improvement Commission, said the children have been "energised... by the different kind of day out".

The Health Improvement Commission's aim is to "make more people more active, more often".

Mr Williams said, with the commission's base already located at the KGV, the initiative had also given "the KGV an additional identity as a real base for the community".

Alun Williams, Be Active Lead at The Health Improvement Commission, standing at the KGV playing fields. The sky is very blue and the grass is well-trimmed and green. There is wooden fencing and a few football goals in the distance.
The scheme has opened up more possibilities for children to engage with nature

Angela Salmon, Head of Operations and Education at the Nature Commission, said the commission had funded equipment like minibeast tools, wooden tree blocks and books about nature.

She said it would help children learn about the world around them.

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