As the British weather turns colder and wetter, many children will be spending less time outdoors. But for some, it’s not just the rain that’s keeping them indoors, it’s poverty.
Experts say that time spent in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, boost fitness and sleep, and help build resilience.
Yet for millions of children across the UK, even the simple joy of jumping in puddles or climbing trees is out of reach.
As of 2023/24, 4.5 million children live in poverty, according to government data – approximately nine in every school classroom.
At the same time, the number of children struggling with their mental health is rising sharply. According to the charity Mind, one in five children in England has a mental health condition.
At Kingfield Primary school in Woking, Surrey, children unwrapped new wellies and waterproof coats, which were donated by the Waterproofs and Wellies campaign, launched by The Outdoor Guide Foundation with support from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
The initiative provides kits to schools so that every child can explore and learn outdoors, even in the rain.
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Gina Bradbury Fox, director and founder of The Outdoor Guide Foundation, said they are delivering “10 sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and welly boots to this primary school today, donated through the Outdoor Guide Foundation from WWF”.
For many of these children, it’s their first proper outdoor garments, and it’s clear from the smiles and muddy boots that it’s making a difference.
Parents say the impact of outdoor learning is immediate. Julia, a mum at the school, said: “The fact that they’re outdoors, they get the fresh air… he’s definitely more buoyant and upbeat when he’s done outdoor learning.
“He sleeps better and that’s a definite plus. When he’s been outside, he’s not as wired.”
According to research from Natural England, 80% of parents say spending time in nature improves their child’s behaviour, while 86% say it boosts their general mood and wellbeing.
Holly McKinley, director of communications at WWF, said their research shows that “70% of primary schools don’t have access to nature or don’t have access to the outdoors”.
Amy Humphries, assistant headteacher at Kingfield Primary School in Woking, says time in nature can make a real difference for children struggling with their mental health.
“Children who have difficulty with mental health definitely appreciate being outside a lot more. It calms them and allows them to move away from the constant technology and noise,” she said.
“Nature is calmer, quieter, and gives them space to breathe.”
She said many pupils are discovering the world around them for the first time: “Once they’re comfortable in nature, they absolutely embrace it.
“They’re amazed to find blackberries growing on the school grounds or pumpkins in the corner of the playground. It suddenly becomes real and exciting.”
Moses, another parent at the school, said every child deserves access to nature regardless of the weather.
“You learn more from the environment than sitting in a classroom,” Moses said.
“Kids are so attached to gadgets now and it’s not healthy. It’s surprising how much they love playing outdoors if we just give them the opportunity.”
The Waterproofs and Wellies campaign aims to provide outdoor clothing to schools across the UK so that weather, or cost, never stops a child from exploring nature.
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With children facing what experts call a “double crisis” of rising poverty and worsening mental health, campaigners say time in nature isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.
As one teacher put it: “A walk in the woods might not fix everything, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
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A government spokesperson said they were “determined to bring down child poverty in all areas of the UK” and would publish its child poverty strategy later this year.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are introducing free breakfast clubs, expanding free school meals, capping school uniform costs and expanding government-funded childcare,” the spokesperson said.
“We are also supporting 700,000 of the poorest families by introducing a Fair Repayment Rate for Universal Credit claimants and increasing the national minimum wage.”
