SPENDING time with nature is 'profoundly beneficial' for children, a new report from a wildlife trust has shown.

On Thursday, November 7, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust published a commissioned report, carried out by the Institute of Education at University College London, into the effects of outdoor activities on children’s wellbeing and views about nature.

Overall, the research revealed that children’s wellbeing increased after they had spent time connecting with nature. The children also showed an increase in their personal wellbeing and health over time and showed an increase in nature connection and demonstrated high levels of enjoyment.

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is now calling on government to recognise the multiple benefits of nature for children – and ensure that at least one hour per school day is spent outdoors learning and playing in wild places.

Steve Ashton, People and Wildlife Manager, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust said: “We have over a 1000 pupils visiting our centre every year to experience a range of outdoor activities from pond dipping to den building.

"We have been working with Chandlers Ridge Primary school developing their outdoor leaning area and been doing Forest Schools with pupils at Rosebrook Primary School, it is a pity more schools don’t use the outdoors as a teaching resource.

"Many of the pupils don’t get the chance to spend time out of doors and spend a lot of screen time when they should be having some wild time.”