Harwich Haven Authority continues to champion the benefits of outdoor learning by funding the highly successful Outdoor Explorers, Harwich, programme for a third year.
The Outdoor Explorers initiative was developed by Harwich Home Start in 2021 to enable continued learning for children and families during the Covid-19 lockdown period. The programme proved such a success that it has continued thanks to the generosity of Harwich Haven Authority and the custodian of the Bobbit’s Hole Nature Reserve, the Harwich Society.
“We know the value Outdoor Explorers continues to offer families in the local community,” says Melissa Wellings, ESG Director, Harwich Haven Authority.
“Over the two years Harwich Haven Authority has funded Outdoor Explorers, at a yearly cost of £7,000, an estimated 182 families, comprising of 198 adults and 235 children have attended the 50-week programme each year. That I believe demonstrates both the need for such an initiative in Harwich and is testament to the benefits that engaging with the environment offers.
“We have seen through our own Beach School initiative, which we delivered throughout 2023 to local primary schoolchildren in Harwich, that outdoor learning experiences have wider health benefits too, such as improving mental and physical health.”
The Outdoor Explorers programme places a high emphasis on the importance of parents playing with their children in a child-led way. This type of play develops warm relationships and strong attachment between family members and creates a positive bank of feelings and experiences. Playing with adults also encourages the development of vocabulary so that children can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and needs.
Wendy Taylor, Manager, Harwich Home Start added: “It is widely documented that children's time spent in nature is rapidly diminishing.
“Research shows that they spend just four to seven minutes outside each day in unstructured play such as climbing trees, building dens, catching bugs, or playing games. Yet they spend up to seven hours each day in front of a screen. The question of how this affects development has become increasingly urgent.
“Many of the families accessing Outdoor Explorers have no outdoor space of their own to use or they are not confident to visit the beach or woods with their children. By providing a safe outdoor space with familiar support, struggling families are encouraged to enjoy being outdoors, have fun and have positive experiences with their children.
“I can’t thank Harwich Haven Authority enough for their continued interest and support of our Outdoor Explorers programme that is benefitting so many people in our community.”
