In the age of the ipad, are children missing out on nature?

In the age of the ipad, are children missing out on nature?

International best selling author Richard Louv, who wrote Last Child in the Woods, Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, believes the divide between children and the outdoors is linked to some of today’s disturbing childhood trends, such as the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust is hosting a free evening with Richard Louv, next Thursday (Nov 20) at the Founders Granary.

Dr Louv has long been an advocate for children having direct exposure to nature, and has many ideas on changes that can be made in schools and communities to help this happen.

He is visiting New Zealand as the keynote speak for the Whanganui conference, ‘A Place to Live’, and his talk in Nelson is titled ‘The Hybrid Mind’.

He says the more high-tech our lives become, the more we need nature; and he will challenge teachers, parents and children about the need for us all to connect with nature for our wellbeing.

Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Manager Hudson Dodd says Dr Louv’s subject lines up perfectly with the aims of the sanctuary.

“The Brook Sanctuary is first and foremost a conservation project to save endangered species and return nature to the Nelson region,” he said. “But it’s also a place where families can rekindle their connection with nature and experience an environment that hasn’t changed a lot in hundreds of years…no cars, no mobile phones, just birdsong and native forest, and all within minutes of the city.”

The sanctuary is hosting Richard Louv with the support of Victoria University of Wellington, the MacDairmid Institute and the Department of Conservation.

The Hybrid Mind, Thursday 20 November 6:30pm, at the Granary, Founders Park, entry free, all welcome.

Ends

© Scoop Media