Editorial for special issue: The serious side of nature, outdoor learning and play: international perspectives

Hayes, Tracy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6330-6520 and Leather, Mark F. (2021) Editorial for special issue: The serious side of nature, outdoor learning and play: international perspectives. Research Intelligence (147).

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Abstract

There is extensive outdoor learning research taking place across the world, which highlights the need to look beyond the dominant Eurocentric and UK-based perspectives. In this special issue we bring together leading authors from England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Canada and India to discuss ways of researching the health, wellbeing and educational benefits that may be provided throughout life within a range of outdoor learning contexts. Nature, outdoor learning and play is about more than fun and games – it also enables us to explore some of the most pressing problems facing the world, particularly mental wellbeing, climate change, biodiversity loss and finding positive ways for humans to more sustainably coexist with non-humans. Playful, nature-based activities provide ways of learning about the outside world and understanding our place within it, and enable the development of a more positive relationship with nature, other people and ourselves. This collection of papers makes a significant contribution to knowledge development and exchange from international perspectives, which is timely as the people of the world adjust to living with Covid-19, alongside ongoing, urgent environmental concerns. It is well documented that spending time outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing. However, access to outdoor spaces is inequitable and this has been exacerbated by public health responses to the pandemic.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Research Intelligence
Publisher:	BERA
Departments:	Institute of Health > Social Work, Children and Families
Additional Information:	Summer 2021 issue.
Depositing User:	Tracy Hayes
Date Deposited:	01 Oct 2021 13:16
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 12:15
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/6216

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