Can 'back to basics' holidays create climate-conscious kids?

Letting children explore nature can help them to value the environment and make them more inclined to protect it, according to the Field Studies Council (FSC). It’s an idea supported by research and one of the founding principles of the FSC’s new ‘back to basics’ holidays, offering families a cheap holiday experience in the UK.

Just in time for the Easter break, the charity has launched a range of family holidays across the UK, from the Lake District to Suffolk. They offer families an escape that teaches children bushcraft and survival skills including how to build a shelter, light a fire and even cook a snack in the wilderness. 

Ian Wainwright, the charity’s commercial director explained: “Part of our charitable aim is to broaden people's understanding of nature. We are an environmental charity so we want to help people engage with the outdoors.

“One of the big things we're concerned about is the climate crisis and we feel that engaging children with nature, encourages them to get involved with the environment. If we capture children’s interest early on, we believe that it’s something they'll carry with them all the way through life.”

Families looking for things to do over the Easter holidays in 2021 can opt for these holidays as a cheaper, local option in the UK that avoids getting caught in the trap of going ‘back to normal’ when there’s still a risk of catching Covid-19.

Great experiences in the great outdoors

Since it was founded in 1943, the FSC has taught children about wildlife and their natural environment. Their work offers children a multitude of benefits, including improved wellbeing as well as a heightened sensitivity to the climate. 

According to the charity, a walk in nature can positively impact your wellbeing, lowering your blood pressure and reducing your heart rate. Incredibly, doing so regularly can reduce your risk of all-cause mortality by 30 per cent.

The organisation does not make any profit from their work and you can help them continue to educate children and young people as well as adults about nature by donating here.