Be aware of Nature Deficit Disorder - let your children come nose to nose with nature!

"Nature Deficit Disorder" is a term recently used by American author Richard Louv to describe the deprivation brought about by insufficient contact with the natural environment. This sometimes results in mental illness and it is thought that children are particularly prone to this condition.

Here in the UK, GP and health advisor to Natural England Dr William Bird, produced a report last year re-iterating that contact with nature and green space has a positive effect on mental health, especially in children.

A lack of routine contact with nature may result in stunted academic and developmental growth. Our society is becoming more and more disconnected with nature. Louv says that we have entered a new era of suburban sprawl that restricts outdoor play, in conjunction with a plugged-in culture that draws kids indoors. Some children adapt to this disconnected way of life, but for the many who don't they develop symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder which include attention problems, obesity, anxiety and depression.

These symptoms can be addressed by allowing children to connect with their natural environment - animals, birds and the outdoors - in safe, fun outdoor spaces such as Seaview Wildlife Encounter.

It is now widely agreed that connecting children with their natural environment helps prevent ill-health and promote healing. Being in touch with nature is a therapeutic treatment for many psychological ailments. It's far cheaper and healthier to join your children on regular walks in green places than resorting to pharmaceutical pills and prescriptions - and natural therapy is likely to be just as effective.

Images (top): Ella Hardy (bottom): Lilia Harding