The British Preschool Play Survey and Urban Forest Benefits

The British Preschool Play Survey and Urban Forest Benefits

British preschool-aged children spend, on average, over 4 hours per day playing, with 1 hour 45 minutes spent playing outdoors. However, inequalities in access to outdoor play spaces may impact young children’s play opportunities and exacerbate health disparities. Urban forests offer diverse benefits, from improving air quality to providing recreational spaces for active play. By integrating urban forests and preschool play, communities can design inclusive, nature-rich environments that support the holistic development of young children.

Preschool Play Patterns in Britain

The British Children’s Play Survey (BCPS) was a national study conducted in 2020 to assess the play of 5- to 11-year-old children living in Britain. However, comparable data on the play of younger, preschool-aged children living in Britain was previously lacking. To address this gap, researchers at the University of Cambridge carried out the first nationally representative survey of preschoolers’ play in Britain.

The survey found that, outside of childcare, British preschool-aged children spent approximately 4 hours per day playing, with 1 hour 45 minutes spent playing outdoors. The majority of this outdoor play occurred in gardens at home, followed by playgrounds and green spaces away from home. Children in rural areas spent more time playing overall compared to those in urban areas.

Importantly, the study also revealed inequalities in preschoolers’ play. Children belonging to minority ethnic groups were reported to spend less time playing overall and less time playing outdoors compared to their white peers. Additionally, boys spent more time playing outdoors than girls, with the difference primarily driven by less time spent in green spaces.

These findings underscore how disparities in access to outdoor play spaces, both at home and in the local community, may impact young children’s play opportunities and contribute to broader health inequalities. TriCounty Tree Care is committed to supporting communities in designing inclusive, nature-rich environments that provide equitable access to the benefits of urban forests.

Urban Forest Benefits for Preschool Play

Urban forests, comprising diverse tree species and vegetation structures, offer a range of environmental, economic, social, and health benefits that can support preschool play and child development.

Improved Air Quality

Trees within urban forests can remove air pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which have been linked to respiratory issues like asthma. By improving air quality, urban forests can help mitigate the negative health impacts that may exacerbate during outdoor play.

Moderation of Urban Heat

Urban forests can also reduce surface and air temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration, helping to mitigate the urban heat island effect. This can create more comfortable outdoor play environments, particularly during warm weather when preschoolers may spend more time outdoors.

Carbon Sequestration

The carbon sequestration capabilities of urban trees can help offset greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to broader climate change mitigation efforts. By promoting the growth and preservation of urban forests, communities can support sustainable, environmentally-friendly play spaces for young children.

Recreational Opportunities

Urban forests provide natural play spaces that can encourage physical activity, exploration, and social interaction among preschoolers. Playgrounds and green spaces within urban forests offer diverse sensory experiences and opportunities for imaginative play, supporting the holistic development of young children.

Community Engagement

The presence of urban forests can also foster a sense of community ownership and stewardship, as residents come together to maintain, protect, and enjoy these shared green spaces. This can lead to increased civic engagement and social cohesion within the local community.

By integrating urban forests and preschool play, communities can design inclusive, nature-rich environments that support the health and well-being of young children. TriCounty Tree Care works closely with local authorities, preschool educators, and community members to develop strategic urban forestry plans that maximize the benefits for preschool play and child development.

Designing Inclusive Preschool Play Spaces

When designing preschool play spaces that incorporate urban forests, it is essential to consider factors such as safety, accessibility, and inclusive play opportunities.

Safety Considerations

Preschoolers require play environments that balance risk and challenge with appropriate safeguards. Urban forests can provide opportunities for adventurous play, but care must be taken to address potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, falling branches, or encounters with wildlife. Ongoing maintenance and supervision can help ensure the safety of these play spaces.

Accessible Design

Play spaces within urban forests should be designed to accommodate children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. This may involve incorporating accessible pathways, adaptive play equipment, and sensory-rich elements that engage multiple senses.

Inclusive Play Opportunities

Urban forests can offer a diverse range of play experiences that cater to the unique developmental needs and preferences of preschoolers. Integrating elements such as climbing structures, water features, sand and mud play, and imaginative play settings can encourage exploration, creativity, and social interaction among children of all backgrounds and abilities.

By collaborating with local authorities, preschool educators, and community members, TriCounty Tree Care can help design inclusive, nature-rich play spaces that maximize the benefits of urban forests for young children’s development and well-being.

Conclusion

The British Preschool Play Survey has revealed important insights about the play patterns and inequalities among preschool-aged children in Britain. By integrating urban forests and preschool play, communities can create inclusive, nature-rich environments that support the holistic development of young children.

Urban forests offer a range of environmental, economic, social, and health benefits that can enhance preschool play and child well-being. Through strategic planning and design, TriCounty Tree Care works to ensure that all children have equitable access to the benefits of urban forests, promoting healthy, active, and engaging play experiences.

By prioritizing the integration of urban forests and preschool play, communities can invest in the long-term health and well-being of their youngest residents, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future.

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