Resources

Interested in Outdoor Play?

If you are interested in outdoor play and would like more information, here are some resources that you may like to explore.

Organisations

Barnardo's Play & Participation Service is leading work in Somerset to promote outdoor play. Tel. 01749 330533

Somerset Play Forum is a network of people in Somerset who are passionate about children's play. Find out more about their work and membership at www.somersetplay.org.uk

Web resources

Playing on the Wildside is a comprehensive resource pack produced by the Playwork Partnership. Visit the Outdoor Play section of their website at www.playwork.co.uk

Play England has a range of useful resources on children's natural play. Available to download at www.playengland.org.uk/resources

Books

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv is a really good read on why playing in nature is so good for children. Available to buy from www.richardlouv.com See also an article published in The Guardian www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/jun/05/nature-deficit-disorder-richard-louv

No Fear by Tim Gill is a brilliant book about the problems our children face growing up in a 'cotton wool' society. You can buy it from www.rethinkingchildhood.com

Articles

Our children need to get outside an article by Jon Henley published in the Guardian on 16 August 2010 discusses the lack of opportunity our children have to play outdoors in the natural environment and the growing body of evidence that this can affect both their mental and physical health. Read the article here

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/aug/16/childre-nature-outside-play-health