Wild Places for Children and Young People

Today, support for initiatives to encourage children and young people to get outside, explore and play was agreed by all councillors at Glasgow City Council. I put forward the motion after getting inspiration from attending the Friends of the River Kelvin's Gala.

This is necessary as a result of research from the National Trust. There is now a critical weight of evidence indicating a worrying trend towards a sedentary, indoor childhood and this risks storing up social, medical and environmental problems.

There are already consequences for children and young people’s health that we are aware of with the ‘modern epidemic’ of obesity, increased vitamin D deficiency, a reduction in children’s fitness, increased mental ill health, and increased prescribing of anti-depressants. Another concern is the declining emotional resilience and the declining ability to assess risk.

We can ensure that city’s children and young people can discover the natural world for themselves, and reap the health benefits. As well as being healthier, children and young people who learn outdoors know more, understand more, feel better, behave better, and work more cooperatively.

The National Trust has 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ campaign for free which provides a checklist for under-12s including everything from flying a kite and making a mud pie. There are activities that make the most of our back gardens, public parks, and wildlife areas.

This builds on initiatives already underway including “Wild About Glasgow” which supports the Scottish Natural Heritage's Simple Pleasures. There are many Glasgow outdoor routes to inspire. These include the Forth and Clyde Canal, White Cart Water, Glasgow Green to Richmond Park and Robroyston Local Nature Reserve. 

 View of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The Countryside Ranger Team and other staff with Land and Environmental Services are helping to lead the way in promoting the outdoors to children and young people, and their work will be supported further with the backing of this motion today.

Useful links

Simple Pleasures - http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/simple-pleasures/routes-and-guides/