‘Engaging Children and Young People with Nature and the Outdoors’ Seminar

The Outdoor Recreation Network is pleased to announce this exciting two-day conference covering research and best practice to promote children’s engagement with nature and the outdoors.

Click here to download the Conference Information Guide

More and more young people today are having less and less contact with the natural world and this is having significant negative impacts on their physical, mental and social development. A lack of outdoor time, coupled with increasing screen time is leading to more sedentary lifestyles and disconnectedness with nature, which can be difficult to unlearn later in life.

Obesity can be the most visible symptom of a lack of regular time outdoors, but research consistently shows that being active in nature also significantly improves attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, creativity and mental, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Socially, it improves cooperation, flexibility and self-awareness. Emotional benefits include reduced aggression, increased happiness and increased problem-solving skills, focus and self-discipline.

Simply put, young people need to be outside and engaged with nature. Crucial to achieving this is addressing deprivation barriers so that all young people have the same opportunity to engage with and enjoy the outdoors.

This two-day conference hosted by Scottish Forestry at Scotland’s oldest botanical garden (which is 350 years old this year) will enable you to hear about current research and good practice promoting young people’s engagement with nature and the outdoors – and gather insights from others who are leading the way in this area through innovative approaches.

This conference is a must attend event which will attract a wide range of stakeholders in the outdoor recreation industry across the UK and Ireland including, public bodies, statutory agencies, research institutions and providers of outdoor recreation and learning.

With input from key leaders, policy-makers and researchers, this conference will:

• Outline changes and emerging trends in how young people spend their leisure time.
• Showcase effective interventions to increase the engagement of young people with nature and the outdoors.
• Highlight good practice that engages young people in the outdoors through taster sessions and site visits.
• Offer delegates a wealth of opportunities to network and share practice.

Please book early to ensure your place as tickets are limited.

• £275 full conference, INCLUDING Conference Networking Dinner

How To Book:

Book via Eventbrite or Invoice.

For any questions about this event or for invoicing please contact Jayne Woodrow – ORN Secretariat (Email: jayne@outdoorrecreation.org.uk or Phone: 028 9030 3930). Please note invoiced tickets will only be secured once a PO Number has been supplied.