Children and young people in Brent reported feeling happier, healthier and more engaged in science topics after spending time participating in outdoor activities run by an environmental initiative called Brent Goes Wild.
The initiative, provided by Young Brent Foundation and led by environmental charity Thames21 and partners on the ground, saw children and young people from the borough take part in outdoor activities such as identifying insects and trees in their local park or at the Welsh Harp Education Centre and Welsh Harp Open Space.
Children completed surveys before and after these outdoor activities.
Thames21 research found that following the outdoor activities, 90% of children felt happier in parks our out in nature, compared to 22% before the initiative took place. The majority of children also believed that they were better at science and more interested in the topic than before the programme.
After their activities, 90% of children said they cared more about the environment and 86% said they were more active.
Commenting on the programme Debra Frankiewicz, Education Officer at Thames21, said: “The Brent Goes Wild project has been a great influence on young people in Brent who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity for these types of experiences or learning in STEM topics. Many children have never even been to a woodland before! The activities inspired them to become more engaged with their local environment, to pick up a worm and study and care for it and also increase their activity and engagement with the outdoors having a great impact on their mental health and wellbeing.”
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Posted On: 21/02/2022