Botanical Gardens Education Network (BGEN) Conference at the Eden Project

We have just come back from the Eden Project in Cornwall. We were extremely privileged to be invited to run two workshops looking at How we Learn at the 2008 BGEN conferenceIt was wonderful to be amongst so many people all passionate about the natural world, sharing a belief that it is vital to reconnect children to the world they live in before so much knowledge and memories are lost. Many benefits of a childhood rich in natural outdoor exploration were highlighted and ideas to make it more appealing were discussed.Everyone seemed committed to delivering high quality education programs designed to give as many children as possible the opportunity for hands on real experiences outdoors. Perhaps this will ensure a generation of more balanced, healthier individuals who value and respect the natural environment and will be more prepared to secure the future of our planet.