What is Outdoor Learning?What does the research say about
Outdoor Learning?
Literature Reviews from the OPENspace Research Centre
Health, Well-Being and Open Space (UK)
Literature Review, by Nina Morris, OPENspace Research Centre (2003)
Key points from this review of research include:
- Exposure to the natural environment can have a negative effect on human health.
- Exposure and access to green spaces can also have a wide range of social, economic, environmental and health benefits
- Urban green spaces are major contributors to the quality of the environment and human health and well-being in inner city and suburban areas.
- Outdoor recreation provides an opportunity to increase quality of life and heighten social interaction.
- Physical activity in the natural environment not only aids an increased life-span, greater well-being, fewer symptoms of depression, lower rates of smoking and substance misuse but also an increased ability to function better at work and home.
- Health Walk and Green Gym participants cited they stated being 'in the countryside' and 'contact with nature' as key motivating factors to be active.
- Short-term strategies must begin by establishing a clearer link between accessible urban green space and healthy living in the minds of politicians, policy-makers ad the general public.
Link to full review: Health, Well-Being and Open Space
Wild Adventure Space (UK)
Literature Review by Penny Travlou, OPENspace Research Centre (2006)
"Experience of the outdoors and wilderness has the potential to confer a multitude of benefits on young people’s physical development, emotional and mental health and well being and societal development. Mental health and wellbeing benefits from play in natural settings appear to be long-term, realised in the form of emotional stability in young adulthood."
Link to full review: Wild Adventure Space