1st Edition
Why Nature Matters Supporting Children’s Learning and Wellbeing Through Nature
Foreword by Dr William Bird Introduction: Roots 1. Evolving Away from Nature 2. The Answer is in the Trees 3. A Passport to Nature 4. The Nature Connection Pyramid 5. Level One (Part 1): Sensory Nature Connection Through the Familiar Senses 6. Level One (Part 2): Sensory Nature Connection Through the Hidden Senses 7. Level One (Part 3): Putting the Senses Together 8. Level One (Part 4): Attachment and Safety in Nature 9. Level Two (Part 1): Creative Exploration in Nature 10. Level Two (Part 2): Creative and Destructive Nature 11. Level Three (Part 1): Making Meaning by Connecting with Nature 12. Level Three (Part 2): Stories and Metaphor 13. Level Four: Higher Engagement with Nature 14. Finale: It’s Only Natural
Biography
Caroline Essame is a clinician, educator and social entrepreneur with a specialism in nature and play in human development. Founder and CEO of the social enterprise CreateCATT, she works with children with complex needs and develops nature- and play-based programmes to support child development and build capacity in frontline workers. She is a published author, an associate lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences and an award-winning international trainer and consultant.
“The book is timely. Parents and teachers around the world are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphone addiction. The best antidote to the distractions of the virtual world is immersion in nature. Caroline Essame uses her expertise in child development and education to show us why this is important and how to make these connections work for children. This book is important, engagingly written, and a must read for all of us concerned about raising better humans."
- Lord Jim Knight, former UK Schools Minister, UK
“Essame presents compelling evidence for the benefits of connecting to nature and offers a host of activities and practical ideas to help make it happen. Essential reading for everyone interested in children’s health and wellbeing.”
- Dr Sue Stuart-Smith, psychiatrist and author of The Well Gardened Mind, UK
“Caroline’s book is a timely reminder of children’s deep need for nature in today’s hyper-urban world. At GUI, we see how early exposure to soil, trees, and open spaces helps overcome the disconnection that breeds apathy and stress. Her words — 'the answer is in the trees' — have stayed with me, and this book beautifully shows why. It is an inspiring guide to nurture a generation rooted in care for self, people, and the Earth.”
- Bingyu Cai, Kampung Architect at Ground-Up Initiative, Singapore
“Why Nature Matters is both a manifesto and a manual for schools seeking to become places of regeneration. It shows how nature connection builds agency, resilience, and relational intelligence in children. These are the very qualities we need to navigate a changing world. As a Trustee of the Eden Project, I see daily how nature transforms learning. This book gives educators the inspiration and tools to embed that transformation into governance, curriculum, and culture.”
- Erica Neve, Co-Founder Regenerative Governance, UK
