9 Sep 2016

Hoping to encourage your children to explore what Mother Nature has to offer this Conservation Week? A group of Christchurch parents may have the answer.

The Christchurch Nature Play Group was set up by two Christchurch mothers almost three years ago as a way to get their children out into nature.

Every Friday morning the group meet at different nature locations around the city to allow their children to explore “unmediated by toys or adult created environments”.

“Left to their own devices, kids find everything they need to learn and play” co-founder Ali  McKubre-Jordens says. “A stick can be a magic wand, a tool for digging, a home for bugs, or just a stick. A tree can be a world to explore, a climbing frame, a house. Nature is the perfect place for imagination, exploration, and physical play. Kids will learn confidence in themselves, resourcefulness, and love for nature and the world around them.

  Prev
  Next
Pictured, the Christchurch Nature Play Group at play in the Botanic Gardens.

“Our Christchurch group aims to help get children out into nature in a low-key, easily accessible way. It improves self-confidence, problem solving, and creativity through imagination, independence, a responsible attitude toward risk, and respect and awareness for the environment. It leaves the children calmer and happier.”

'Left to their own devices, kids find everything they need to learn and play.'

Co-founder Anneke Beardsley said the group, set up nearly three years ago, now had almost 300 members via the Nature Play Christchurch Facebook page. Each week between 10 and 15 families show up for a play session.

“We wanted to make this as easy as possible, and we expect no commitment from members; parents can simply look on our page each week to see where we are going, and just turn up!

“We go all over the greater Christchurch area, to a different place each week! Parks, reserves, beaches, rivers, and we are always on the lookout for new spots to explore.”

Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge said the group was a great example of Cantabrians enjoying the stunning natural environment on their door step.

"Our natural parks like the Port Hills and Travis Wetland are great for exploring nature, but we are also now thinking more about nature play in the design of our local parks. Many new subdivisions include water swales or drainage reserves, which serve an ecological purpose, but also provide for mucky play with logs, stepping stones and little streams. "

Conservation Week runs from September 10 to 18 this year.

Find out more about parks and reserves around Christchurch.