NAEE’s new curriculum review will be published in the next 10 days. This focuses on secondary education and will complement our primary review that was published in 2016. The Foreword to this publication which sets the review in its wider context is still available on our website and can be accessed here.
The journal Ecopsychology will publish a special issue focusing on Children and Nature. The editors [ Judy Braus of the North American Association of Environmental Education and Sarah Milligan-Toffler of the Children and Nature Network ] say:
In the last decade, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of nature in children’s lives. Evidence has been emerging that shows many physical and psychological benefits for children when they interact with nature; and this area warrants further research. In addition, there is reason to believe that childhood offers a critical period when people develop deep affinities and sensibilities with nature — and when they can come to love nature. Ecopsychology can have unique contributions to this research and discourse. This special issue is interested in both empirical and theoretical papers — and evocative essays — that address this topic of children and nature, broadly conceived.
Your contribution should be no longer than 4000 words (excluding references) and submitted no later than May 9, 2018. Please submit using the journal’s online submission portal. If you have questions, please contact either editor Judy Braus or Sarah Milligan-Toffler.
Is there a Beach School near you? Beach schools are popping up everywhere across the UK, it seems – well if you’re near a beach they are. In principle, it seems, they are a bit like Forest Schools. The Times says that children at beach schools …
“paddle, create sculptures from driftwood, light fires, study crabs, poke around in rock pools, listen to stories and forage for materials”.
For example, art, history and maths are taught on the beach by Lyndhurst Infant School in Worthing (pictured) and Woodland House nursery in Bristol takes young children ten miles by train to Severn Beach. The nursery is quoted in The Times saying:
“There are many activities that excite and inspire the children, including making mud pies and sandcastles, throwing stones as far as possible to strengthen arm muscles, practising writing letters in the sand and mud, running races, making dens, counting pebbles and talking to fishermen.”
YouTube has a brief survey of 2017 from the Freshwater and Habitats Trust. The Trust’s recent blogs include:
– 21st December 2017 Clean water havens on mineral sites
When most water in the landscape is polluted, it’s great to find places like gravel pit lakes and ponds can offer a clean-water refuge for wildlife This year we teamed up with the Mineral Products Association to carry out a Quarry WaterBlitz – a survey of nutrient pollution on mineral sites. What we found is […]
– 12th December 2017 Citizen science reveals clean water hotspots
Are the ponds, streams and ditches in your neighbourhood good enough for wildlife? Over the last two years volunteers have been using quick test kits to discover amazing unpolluted freshwaters, where wildlife can thrive, across the Thames Water region. The results are in, with some interesting revelations. Clean water supports rich and diverse wetland plant […]
The Wildlife Trusts say Make a Wilder Resolution for the New Year, and offers 7 suggestions. There is also a list of 30 ways to help wildlife. These include:
- Inspire someone else to get outdoors! – share your favourite wild walk or wild place with friends or family (could you pick 5 people to share it with?).
- Play outdoors in wild places with children (yours or some you have legal access to!) and nurture their interest in wildlife. Unsupervised play in wild places also helps children to build a bond with nature so consider ways you could help make this happen too. Check out The Wild Network for lots of ideas to help.
- Tell people why nature is important to you – whether it’s your Mum, your son/daughter, your colleague, your neighbour, your hairdresser.
- Leave wildlife and conservation magazines in waiting rooms (or the school library). Help spread the message.
- Rewild your school – If you work at a school could your school grounds be improved for wildlife. Indoors you could set up a nature table at school (or your children’s school). If you’re a parent ask your school about opportunities for outdoor learning e.g. feedback surveys.
CJS Professional’s latest newsletter is now online. The CJS Featured Charity for 2018 is The Vincent Wildlife Trust – please click here for more details. CJS has a recent focus on forestry and arboriculture in association with The Ancient Tree Forum, with features including:
- Veteran trees –their importance and management
- Ash Dieback – the threat to our non-woodland trees
- Forestry education and learning – building your career
Groundwork Youth is looking for more Green Ambassadors. It says:
We’re now ready to recruit another round of young people to support our national campaign and help us reach as many community groups as possible, online and offline. Whether you’re in school, college, employment, or currently looking for your next challenge, we want to hear from you! Our next recruitment drive launches on Wednesday 10th January.
Vision England is a residential programme for 14-17 year olds with vision impairment, run in partnership with the Field Studies Council (FSC). The residentials take place at FSC centres across England during the school holidays. In summary:
- Three fun-filled residentials over a year.
- You’ll play a leading role in changing your communities and the environment for the better.
- Supported by an amazing team of staff experienced in working with young people with vision impairment.
- You get to shape the activities you do.
- Opportunity to gain a John Muir Award certificate (environmental award scheme).
The next deadline for applications is Monday 22 January. To join the 2018 programme, download and complete the application form and send it to visionengland@rnib.org.uk
The Permaculture Association blog had a feature before Christmas by environmental consultant and writer, Féidhlim Harty, on sewage treatment. The post ends:
“Whether it is first aid for our rivers and seas, or future proofing our sewage infrastructure against energy shocks, permaculture can offer many solutions for domestic and municipal sewage management. Although not something that can necessarily be achieved overnight, I can see healthy soils, rivers and people in the permaculture options mentioned above. With good design, the opportunities are truly endless.”
Details here.