In a powerful piece for the Children’s Commissioner’s blog, Cat Hickey, Head of Conservation Education at ZSL (Zoological Society of London), argues passionately that access to nature must be a fundamental right for every child.
Drawing on the daily life of London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, Hickey stresses the “transformative power” that learning outside has on children’s wellbeing, education, and their connection to the natural world.
Hickey sees the magic every day: the sheer, transformative power of watching children learn while they’re surrounded by wildlife. Yet, she points out a sad reality: the children who’d benefit most,often those in less affluent areas, are the ones being left behind.
The Unfair Lottery of the Playground
We all know being outside is great, but the numbers Cat Hickey shares are shocking. This isn’t just about fun; it’s about opportunity:
- Schools are Struggling: The 2024 WWF Schools for Nature report found that a staggering over half of UK secondary schools offer no regular outdoor learning. It’s an afterthought, not a priority.
- The Craving for Space: The Children’s Commissioner’s own School Census backs this up, showing that the vast majority of schools without a patch of green or an outdoor learning area. 92% of primary schools and 73% of secondaries are crying out for one.
If your child’s nursery or school has no green space, or if they live in an area deprived of parks, they’re missing out on something crucial. Access to a bit of nature shouldn’t depend on your postcode or your parents’ bank balance.
Nature: A Prescription for Mental Health
It’s impossible to talk about children today without mentioning the worrying mental health crisis.
With one in five children now likely struggling with a mental health condition, the pressure on nurseries and schools is huge, with CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) being a major concern.
Hickey’s message is clear: we have a simple, powerful tool right outside the classroom door.
If we continue to let children grow up stressed and disconnected from the natural world, we’re not just creating unhappy adults; we’re creating future decision-makers who won’t care enough to protect the planet. As Hickey puts it:
“If they don’t feel connected to nature, how can we expect them to feel empowered to protect it?”
What ZSL is Actually Doing
ZSL isn’t just complaining; they’re working hard to make a difference:
- Zoo Access: Their Education Access Scheme gives thousands of children a chance to connect with conservation firsthand.
- On the Ground: In places like Luton, they’re helping schools to embed outdoor learning across all subjects and increase biodiversity right on the school grounds.
- Empowering Teachers: They’re tackling the barrier of teacher confidence by offering professional learning schemes to equip educators with the skills to confidently teach outside.
Schools have told ZSL what they need: targeted investment for everything from wellies and waterproofs to creating and maintaining natural spaces.
For Cat Hickey, watching a child gaze up at a giraffe or learn a new fact isn’t just curiosity; it’s the spark of a future wildlife champion. We owe it to every child, and to the planet, to give them that spark.
Learn More
If you’re a teacher and want to find out more about ZSL’s learning programmes, you can visit:
👉 www.zsl.org/education
