Play England has been awarded £500,000 for the Exploring Nature Play project, which is helping children to explore and become more aware of nature around them and the opportunities for play and enjoyment that it provides.

The grant is from Natural England's Access to Nature programme - part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces initiative.

Every parent knows that children have a love for and curiosity about the natural world.  Scientific research also increasingly tells us that children's interest in the natural world is a deeply instinctive part of human nature and that there are proven benefits for their wellbeing, health and development.

Playing outdoors and raising awareness of and love for nature has long term benefits, as we face the challenges of climate change and protecting the natural environment for future generations.

We have created an interactive map of the best places for children to engage with nature including playgrounds and green spaces across England, This information will help children have better access and opportunities to explore.  

We are working with three adventure playgrounds - in London, North Tyneside and Torbay - to explore different ways of increasing children's understanding of nature through play. We will create a pool of ideas from these playgrounds and others around the country in order to share and promote good practice in promoting environmental awareness through free play.