The Princess of Wales has announced a new initiative to examine how nature can support a child’s healthy development and lifelong wellbeing, highlighting the importance of “spending quality time outdoors” in a digital age.
In a short video message, Catherine outlined her vision for the project, which will explore how nature, creativity and relationships can best support the healthy development of babies and young children. She said: “New scientific research increasingly shows just how important nature is for our psychological and physiological wellbeing. Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and, in this tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important.”
Nature-based research and support
The Princess of Wales has commissioned The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to take forward the work, which will combine research, practical testing and real-world learning. The project is supported by founding partner The Duchy of Cornwall and is set to launch a new programme next year.
Catherine said: “My hope is that through this practical, nature-based research, we can build supportive environments that help make nature more accessible, benefiting babies, young children and their families across the UK.” The princess filmed the video during a visit to Cornwall on Thursday, accompanied by her husband, the Prince of Wales, who runs the Duchy of Cornwall and is taking a keen interest in the project.
Parent polling highlights demand
New polling commissioned by the Centre shows that 84% of parents agree that spending time in nature helps their child's wellbeing and development, while only 33% report their child spends time in nature every day. Almost two-thirds (62%) want their child to spend more time in nature overall, and 56% want more nature-based experiences through childcare and education.
A new portrait of the princess, taken by royal photographer Josh Shinner in Cornwall on Thursday, has been released by Kensington Palace to coincide with the announcement.
Building on early years focus
The project combines two of the princess’s primary focuses: early childhood and nature. She has campaigned to raise awareness of the importance of a child’s first five years for over a decade. Earlier this year she visited Reggio Emilia in Italy to learn how the city approaches early years education, and in 2022 she visited a forest kindergarten in Denmark to see outdoor learning environments first-hand.
Nature has become an increasingly important focus for Catherine after she found solace in spending time outdoors during her cancer treatment. The project will bring together academics, early years practitioners, charities and environmental organisations to better understand how children's access to nature can support healthy social and emotional development during the early years.
