SOMERSET WEBSITE PROMOTES OUTDOOR PLAY

A new website launched this month to encourage children to make more use of outdoor spaces.

The Somerset Outdoor Play website – www.somersetoutdoorplay.org.uk - is full of fantastic places to enjoy and explore, all of which are completely free.

The first of its kind in the country, it has been funded by Barnardo’s Somerset Play & Participation Service together with the Somerset Play Forum, Somerset County Council, The National Trust, Natural England, Quantock Hills AONB, The Forestry Commission, Mendip Hills AONB, Exmoor National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund and Play England.

The partners have spent a year gathering information on exciting outdoor spaces which are not typical parks - but instead offer natural, wild and adventurous areas for the whole family to visit.

They hope it will break down the ‘cotton wool’ culture which threatens children’s physical and emotional development by increasingly denying them access to play outdoors a key part of a normal childhood over many generations.  Take a moment to revisit one of your most treasured memories of playing as a child. Fix an image of that memory in your mind. Is it outside? Are there any adults present?  Remember how important your outdoor play experiences were to you?  It is extremely unlikely today’s children will grow up with similar experiences – the average young teenager is unlikely to be allowed beyond the end of their street unaccompanied. 

 

The website contains almost 30 sites all across the county, from hilltops and headlands to picnic spots and pebbly beaches.

 

Barnardo’s children’s services manager Debbie Jones said: “We created the website in response to the changes in society – such as increased road traffic and the fear of strangers - which have resulted in a dramatic decline in young people playing outdoors.

“Lots of children aren’t allowed further than their own garden or the end of their road. They are ‘wrapped in cotton wool’, meaning they have less chance to play freely and develop their independence.  Michael Hammond Chair of Somerset Play Forum, which is also supported by Somerset County Council, said:

“We want families to see what’s on their doorstep, and for children to enjoy the same experiences that we remember from our own childhood.

“Play is a great way to keep children active and healthy. It helps them to develop friendships and social skills, and makes them feel a part of the local community.

“In many ways, play is how children learn all of the things that can’t be taught – and it’s a lot of fun!”

 

The easy-to-use website is full of photographs, maps and directions.

It also includes outdoor play ideas from racing ‘pooh sticks’ and laying trails to making leafboats and building dens.

There is also a link to the Barnardo’s play ranger service which runs free play sessions every week, featuring a list of regular events held across the county.

 

Debbie added: “We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this important new service.

 “Now we hope that families will take the time to explore the website. Somerset has many natural outdoor spaces that are free to play in every day.

“They might even have their own suggestions for other places that ought to be included.”

 

For further information on the Barnardo’s Somerset Play & Participation Service or if you would like us to come and promote the website to families you work with, call 01749 330533 or email debbie.jones2@barnardos.org.uk

 

Last year Barnardo’s South West supported 14,000 children and young people challenged by poverty, abuse, disability and discrimination.

Visit www.barnardos.org.uk

 

 

If you have disabled children please get in touch with us as we'd like to try to evaluate accessibility of some of the sites we've chosen.  Contact us.