Why Nature Matters by Essame, Caroline;

Short description:

Why Nature Matters is a practical guide for restoring the bond between children and the natural world.

Long description:

Why Nature Matters is a practical guide for restoring the bond between children and the natural world. Grounded in evidence-based practice, it provides the reader with an understanding of why a connection to nature is so vital for children and how to make that connection happen.

The book presents a holistic model of nature engagement that nurtures the wellbeing and development of our children. It introduces the Nature Connection Pyramid, which moves through four levels of nature connection, giving readers the science of ‘why’ they should make connections to nature a priority, alongside the ‘how’, with practical exercises and activities. This framework begins by exploring the foundations of attachment, safety and sensory connection, before considering creative exploration, meaning-making and, finally, higher nature connections. Each chapter includes rich and diverse stories about nature connections and their impact, as well as reflections and top tips on how to bring more nature into children’s lives.

With a Foreword included from Dr William Bird which speaks of the urgent need to inspire the next generation to grow up knowing, loving, and acting as stewards for the natural world, this resource shows and tells why nature matters and gives ideas on how to rewild ourselves and not just the planet. It will be an essential tool for early childhood educators and teachers, nature practitioners, and occupational therapists and other allied health professionals.

“The book is timely. Parents and teachers around the world are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphone addiction. The best antidote to the distractions of the virtual world is immersion in nature. Caroline Essame uses her expertise in child development and education to show us why this is important and how to make these connections work for children. This book is important, engagingly written, and a must read for all of us concerned about raising better humans."

- Lord Jim Knight, former UK Schools Minister, UK

“Essame presents compelling evidence for the benefits of connecting to nature and offers a host of activities and practical ideas to help make it happen. Essential reading for everyone interested in children’s health and wellbeing.”

- Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, psychiatrist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, UK

“Caroline’s book is a timely reminder of children’s deep need for nature in today’s hyper-urban world. At GUI, we see how early exposure to soil, trees, and open spaces helps overcome the disconnection that breeds apathy and stress. Her words — 'the answer is in the trees' — have stayed with me, and this book beautifully shows why. It is an inspiring guide to nurture a generation rooted in care for self, people, and the Earth.”

- Bingyu Cai, Kampung Architect at Ground-Up Initiative, Singapore

“Why Nature Matters is both a manifesto and a manual for schools seeking to become places of regeneration. It shows how nature connection builds agency, resilience, and relational intelligence in children. These are the very qualities we need to navigate a changing world. As a Trustee of the Eden Project, I see daily how nature transforms learning. This book gives educators the inspiration and tools to embed that transformation into governance, curriculum, and culture.”

- Erica Neve, Co-Founder Regenerative Governance, UK

Table of Contents:

Foreword by Dr William Bird  Introduction: Roots  1. Evolving Away from Nature  2. The Answer is in the Trees  3. A Passport to Nature  4. The Nature Connection Pyramid  5. Level One (Part 1): Sensory Nature Connection Through the Familiar Senses  6. Level One (Part 2): Sensory Nature Connection Through the Hidden Senses  7. Level One (Part 3): Putting the Senses Together  8. Level One (Part 4): Attachment and Safety in Nature  9. Level Two (Part 1): Creative Exploration in Nature  10. Level Two (Part 2): Creative and Destructive Nature  11. Level Three (Part 1): Making Meaning by Connecting with Nature  12. Level Three (Part 2): Stories and Metaphor  13. Level Four: Higher Engagement with Nature  14. Finale: It’s Only Natural