The Answer is in the Trees

It is better for children to know about the scale of the problem and feel they are part of the solution: a stronger connection with nature gives a sense of agency. Children also benefit from engaging with nature in ways that test them, so they learn new skills and develop self-esteem and self-reliance. A connection with nature is about hope for the future. It's also about health: the physical experience of being in nature and the benefits of a healthier gut biome which boosts the immune system. Looking at natural vistas is about engaging with complexity and developing a more sophisticated understanding of the world. Finally, this chapter considers Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory, both of which identify benefits for the individual of spending time in nature.