Why nature play matters – and how to bring it home

At Afrocats, we’ve seen first-hand how time in nature supports children’s mental health and wellbeing, and our forest school sessions earlier this year showed us that when children are given freedom to explore, play, and connect with the outdoors, something special happens.

Climbing trees, building dens, or simply listening to birdsong allows children to step away from screens and daily pressures, and research shows that nature play reduces stress, builds resilience, and improves concentration.

These small moments of peace and discovery can have a lasting impact, giving children tools to manage emotions and build confidence.

Taking forest school home

The benefits of nature don’t have to stop at the end of a session. Families can continue the Forest School spirit in their own gardens, local parks, or even on the walk to school - here are a few simple, low-cost activities inspired by our sessions:

• Bug hunting: look under stones, logs, or leaves to see what tiny creatures are living nearby - children love discovering beetles, worms, and woodlice!

  
  

• Mud play: encourage creativity by making mud pies or sculptures using natural ‘ingredients’ like sticks, stones, and leaves.

  
  

• Birdwatching: bring a notebook and sketch the birds you see. You don’t need to know their names, just observing is enough.

  
  

• Nature scavenger hunt: Make a list together - something round, something green, something that crunches - and see what you can find on a walk.

  
  

• Mindful moments: sit quietly for two minutes and notice what you can hear: the wind, birdsong, footsteps, or even silence.

These activities don’t require special equipment, just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to get a little muddy.

Flourishing through play

Every child deserves the chance to connect with nature, whether in a woodland or a small local park. By making space for outdoor play, we help children build resilience, confidence, and joy in ways that last long after the day has ended.

Want to give your child more opportunities to explore nature, build resilience, and enjoy the outdoors? Keep an eye on Afrocats’ Forest School programmes, and in the meantime, feel free to try some of these activities at home!