Overview

Why Nature Matters is a practical guide for restoring the bond between children and the natural world. Grounded in evidence-based practice, it provides the reader with an understanding of why a connection to nature is so vital for children and how to make that connection happen. The book presents a holistic model of nature engagement that nurtures the wellbeing and development of our children. It introduces the Nature Connection Pyramid, which moves through four levels of nature connection, giving readers the science of ‘why’ they should make connections to nature a priority, alongside the ‘how’, with practical exercises and activities. This framework begins by exploring the foundations of attachment, safety and sensory connection, before considering creative exploration, meaning-making and, finally, higher nature connections. Each chapter includes rich and diverse stories about nature connections and their impact, as well as reflections and top tips on how to bring more nature into children’s lives. With a Foreword included from Dr William Bird which speaks of the urgent need to inspire the next generation to grow up knowing, loving, and acting as stewards for the natural world, this resource shows and tells why nature matters and gives ideas on how to rewild ourselves and not just the planet. It will be an essential tool for early childhood educators and teachers, nature practitioners, and occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.

Full Product Details

9781032899350

Table of Contents

Reviews

“The book is timely. Parents and teachers around the world are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphone addiction. The best antidote to the distractions of the virtual world is immersion in nature. Caroline Essame uses her expertise in child development and education to show us why this is important and how to make these connections work for children. This book is important, engagingly written, and a must read for all of us concerned about raising better humans."" - Lord Jim Knight, former UK Schools Minister, UK “Essame presents compelling evidence for the benefits of connecting to nature and offers a host of activities and practical ideas to help make it happen. Essential reading for everyone interested in children’s health and wellbeing.” - Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, psychiatrist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, UK “Caroline’s book is a timely reminder of children’s deep need for nature in today’s hyper-urban world. At GUI, we see how early exposure to soil, trees, and open spaces helps overcome the disconnection that breeds apathy and stress. Her words — 'the answer is in the trees' — have stayed with me, and this book beautifully shows why. It is an inspiring guide to nurture a generation rooted in care for self, people, and the Earth.” - Bingyu Cai, Kampung Architect at Ground-Up Initiative, Singapore “Why Nature Matters is both a manifesto and a manual for schools seeking to become places of regeneration. It shows how nature connection builds agency, resilience, and relational intelligence in children. These are the very qualities we need to navigate a changing world. As a Trustee of the Eden Project, I see daily how nature transforms learning. This book gives educators the inspiration and tools to embed that transformation into governance, curriculum, and culture.” - Erica Neve, Co-Founder Regenerative Governance, UK

“Caroline’s book is a timely reminder of children’s deep need for nature in today’s hyper-urban world. At GUI, we see how early exposure to soil, trees, and open spaces helps overcome the disconnection that breeds apathy and stress. Her words — 'the answer is in the trees' — have stayed with me, and this book beautifully shows why. It is an inspiring guide to nurture a generation rooted in care for self, people, and the Earth.” - Bingyu Cai, Kampung Architect at Ground-Up Initiative, Singapore “Essame presents compelling evidence for the benefits of connecting to nature and offers a host of activities and practical ideas to help make it happen. Essential reading for everyone interested in children’s health and wellbeing.” - Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, psychiatrist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, UK “The book is timely. Parents and teachers around the world are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphone addiction. The best antidote to the distractions of the virtual world is immersion in nature. Caroline Essame uses her expertise in child development and education to show us why this is important and how to make these connections work for children. This book is important, engagingly written, and a must read for all of us concerned about raising better humans."" - Lord Jim Knight, former UK Schools Minister, UK

Author Information

Caroline Essame is a clinician, educator and social entrepreneur with a specialism in nature and play in human development. Founder and CEO of the social enterprise CreateCATT, she works with children with complex needs and develops nature- and play-based programmes to support child development and build capacity in frontline workers. She is a published author, an associate lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences and an award-winning international trainer and consultant.

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