Ask - connecting young people and place

One day conference

Date: Tuesday 1st April 2008

Venue: Reading University, UK

It comes as little surprise to most of us that children benefit from being outside, interacting with their environment, learning from nature and developing through play. Sadly children's environments have changed dramatically in recent years: there are fewer accessible natural places and increasingly parents discourage outdoor play. There is increasing evidence that we are rearing a generation that is "outdoor adverse".

Inadequate provision for outdoor learning and play for young people is storing up huge problems for the future. The disconnection of children with their environment is also known to contribute to a whole range of consequences affecting younger people: obesity, inability among children to assess risk, poor spatial understanding, mental health issues, impaired social skills and reduced ability to navigate the real world.

But it's not all bad news. The promotion of better quality environments and more opportunities for play is a crucial issue and we believe that the answers lie in a multi-disciplinary approach. This conference brings together perspectives, skills and experiences of people from a wide range of professional backgrounds from the UK, Japan and Sweden.

Morning Speakers

• Dr Ko Senda, Association for children’s environments, Japan.
• Petter Åkerblom, The Department of Urban and Rural Studies at Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet and Movium - Centre for the Urban Environment, Sweden.
• Dr Jo Elworthy, Eden Project, UK.
• Susan Humphries, Coombes School, UK.
• Lynsey Robinson, Sensory Trust, UK.
  

Afternoon site visit

Coombes School, Reading. A visit to the most inspirational example of environmental education in the UK, guided by the pupils. A unique opportunity.

Space is limited at this venue, so please book early.

Price: £75.00

For further information call Lynsey Robinson on 01726 222 900 or email enquiries@sensorytrust.org.uk

Bookings

Download the booking form (Word 37k) then either fill in the form on your computer and email it back to us at enquiries@sensorytrust.org.uk, or print it, fill it in and fax it to us on 01726 222 901

Please note: this outline is provisional and subject to change.

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© 2008 Sensory Trust