The Nature of Scotland – Autumn 2011 – Issue 13

value of smaller scale, loose, natural materials such as ash
poles, tree trunk discs, logs, hazel sticks and straw bales.
And even simpler yet, they’ve been experimenting with
different kinds of mowing styles to create playful paths and
‘child nests’ in areas of longer grass.
Changes in school policy, culture and practice have been
just as important as changes in the playgrounds. Parent
evenings have been held to provide information and increase
parental understanding of the value of natural outdoor play.
Teachers and playground supervisors have invested time in
play training to be able to manage and guide play effectively,
and GfL have worked with teachers and pupils to develop
appropriate ways of assessing the risks and creating play
policies. Crucially, the changes have required the support
and co-operation of council school estate managers.
The benefits have been significant. Children’s experience
and enjoyment of nature is greatly improved through playful
discovery of bugs under the log bark, ladybirds in the willow
den, strange patterns in the boulders and bumble bees
foraging in the long grass. The schools are also reporting
wider benefits. There’s increased co-operation between
children, greater interaction across year groups, increased
levels of physical activity, better playtime behaviour and
children settle more quickly in class.
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10 The Nature of Scotland