Craig Freeman

As a Dad of three children, I have made the outdoors a big part of our lives for many reasons.

For play

Grazed knees, acorns in their pockets, dirt under their fingernails, sand in their hair, and mud everywhere! I know for some this is your worst nightmare, but for me the messier the kids are at the end of the day the better. Outdoor play builds their imagination, their curiosity, and their appreciation for the natural world.

For education

A study into forest schools' impact on young children found that among many benefits it built their confidence as they had the freedom, time and space to learn and demonstrate independence. It also improved their communication and social skills as language development, sharing and teamwork was prompted by the children’s sensory experiences.

For health

Getting outdoors provides the best encouragement to be active and healthy for kids and adults alike. Walk, run, jump, climb, throw, catch, collect, splash, see, hear, feel…even taste! Although lets hope it was a blackberry and nothing more pungent! This all improves physical stamina and gross and fine motor skills.

For time together

That load of washing can wait, reply to that email later, and no we’re not still watching Paw Patrol thanks Netflix. Babies in a sling, toddlers in a carrier, pre-schoolers on shoulders, your child holding hands with the grandparents. Scooter, bike, frisbee, kite. Experience together, explore together, make memories together.

For our sanity

When the kids were tiny I would head outdoors to push them to sleep, or to avoid them screaming down the café. It was my safe space. Now that they are older it’s still my escape but not always with them. Walk with a friend, your partner, or go it alone. It helps to quiet my mind, to slow my breathing, to feel more balanced and in control.

For our futures

We are in the midst of a pandemic. When lockdown ends, the outdoors is the safest place to socialise. But nature gives us more than that. It gives us the air we breath, the water we drink, and much of the food we eat. Protecting it is essential for our children and for future generations. We are in a climate emergency.

I have spent my career in Marketing and am on the board of a London marketing agency. I am also Trustee of a Countryside charity in Surrey, where I live.