We believe in reconnecting children with the natural world through free play and exploration. Through bringing together Jo’s background in educational psychology and photographic skills, Fiona’s knowledge of environmental education and our experiences with our own children, we seek to raise awareness of the many benefits children gain by spending more time outdoors.
Our series of Going Wild books are packed with fun ideas and inspirational photographs; many of them are also available as e-books, so you can take them outside with you in your pocket! We aim to spread the word to as wide an audience as possible and we encourage everyone to share their ideas and experiences via our blog on this website, so others can benefit. We also write articles for a range of national and international press, journals and magazines, as well as giving talks and running training events for Wildlife Trusts, educators, parents, schools and those working in the environment.
We have worked in partnership with many organisations, including Natural England, the Widlife Trusts and others. Our work with Natural England included work for the Scouts and the “Big Wildlife Garden” websites. We have also worked closely with the Forest School Association and the National Trust to inspire more children and families to go outside and enjoy being outdoors together. Look out for their 50 things to do outdoors before you are 11 and 3/4 campaign!
Ethos of going wild
We hope Going Wild will inspire more people to leave the comfort of their living rooms and get outdoors to experience the natural world for real. We want encourage children everywhere to open their eyes to the wonders of the nature which may be on their doorstep. At the worst you may get a little cold and muddy, at the least you may have lasting memories of sharing Nature’s Playground together. At the very best we could have a generation of more balanced, healthier individuals prepared to secure the future of our planet.
We believe Going Wild can help the next generation to:
- Feel good about themselves and their abilities, be happier and more confident
- Be less scared about tackling life’s challenges, better able to assess risk and take personal responsibility for their own actions
- Experience and enjoy the simple pleasures in life and take a more balanced view of consumerism – collect moments, not things!
- Respect and understand the fragile balance between nature and human needs, becoming aware of how their actions affect the natural world which in turn affects them
- Be healthier through leading a more active lifestyle and developing a better understanding of real food
- Help teenagers become calmer and better able to communicate and socialize without always relying on technology.
- Help youngsters cope better with the increasing pressures arising from modern living by escaping and de-stressing outdoors
- Take time to slow down and learn new skills while having fun
- Encourage teenagers to do things together with their family at a time when it can be difficult to keep in touch.
Hi Fiona and Jo, first of all let me congratulate you on your great work. I have read your books which have helped me enormously in my own work with children to find ideas and inspiration.
I have been wanting to write my own book for a little while now (The Bushbabies woodland adventure handbook) to give parents and practioners ideas for there own adventures and am very much interested in how you managed to have your books published. I would really love to gain some advice on this as I do not know where to start. I am planning to specialise in adventures for 2-6yrs which is the age of most of the children that attend my classes.
Please check out my website, I would like to have any feedback you might have in order to improve my provision.
I look forward to hearing from you both!!
Kind regards
Hi Fiona and Jo, first of all let me congratulate you on your great work. I have read your books which have helped me enormously in my own work with children to find ideas and inspiration.
I have been wanting to write my own book for a little while now (The Bushbabies woodland adventure handbook) to give parents and practioners ideas for there own adventures and am very much interested in how you managed to have your books published. I would really love to gain some advice on this as I do not know where to start. I am planning to specialise in adventures for 2-6yrs which is the age of most of the children that attend my classes.
Please check out my website, I would like to have any feedback you might have in order to improve my provision.
I look forward to hearing from you both!!
Kind regards