A group of Wanaka parents is making progress towards establishing a local nature discovery programme.

Natalie Astin, a play therapy intern who is also studying psychotherapy, told the Wanaka App a group of local parents were brought together by their love for being in nature with their children. 

The group hopes to create regular time and space for children to develop a deeper connection with the local environment and with each other, and they envision a free programme accessible to anyone who is interested. 

Natalie said recent research shows that child-led experiences outdoors allow children to exert themselves in a fun way while reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing. Time in nature helps build relationships, develop problem-solving and academic abilities, nurtures creativity and improves children’s ability to assess risk.

“Children are learning all the time and we know that they learn when they are engaged and interested in play - that’s when their brains are primed for learning,” Natalie said.

Two community brainstorming sessions which took place last month, and were attended by about 40 people, identified a range of ideas, Natalie said, with general support for nature to be incorporated more into education.

Time in nature improves children’s ability to assess risk - among other things. PHOTO: Wanaka App

“Child-led play was a key feature. Generally the themes that came through were wanting it to be accessible to all, so not-for-profit; a supportive environment where we are connected to community groups already out there; having a whanau feeling; perhaps having a space that people of different ages can use at different times,” she said.

The broad range of people attending the sessions (which were facilitated by Jamie Roy) included homeschooling families, parents with children aged from newborns to teenagers, teachers and outdoor educators.

Natalie said the group now has a mandate through community support to work toward developing a “hub” for nature learning.

“There are also a lot of forest schools and one-day nature programmes all around the country and our group is researching those and getting technical support, so we’re not having to start from scratch,” she said.

LINK Upper Clutha’s Kathy Dedo and Joanna Perry have been providing the group with support and advice.

People who are interested in getting involved should contact the group via email: [email protected].