Where the wild things are

"We want to see more children playing in woods, says the Woodland Trust". In an article in the Woodland Trust's Spring 2008 Broadleaf magazine, they discuss the importance of unstructured play in wild places. "As childrens' lives become more sedentary there are real concerns about the increased incidence of childhood obesity and other related physical, mental and emotional health problems." The Forestry Commission have acknowleged the need for this and are developing new play spaces in every region with swings and slides but also fallen trees, water, sand or small stream. They are also encouraging kids to build dens in their woods. The Woodland Trust is also thinking along the same lines and want to draw people's attention to the fact they have over 1,000 fantastic play spaces just waiting to be discovered. "All children or adults have to bring is their imagination" says Graham Blight ,the Trust's Learning Programme Manager.

"Getting children to mess about in the woods is part of our long-term conservation strategy." says Andy Beer. There is danger out there but you need to help children judge risk for themselves. "You teach them how to cross the road safely rather than saying you're never allowed near a road, says Rebecca Haskell. And it's the same with woods: they need to learn that judgement." For a list of one of the Trust's woods near you waiting to be explored look at http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/