Full Description
That children need nature for health and well-being is widely accepted, but what type of nature? Specifically, what type of nature is not only necessary but realistically available in the complex and rapidly changing worlds that children currently live in?
This book examines child-nature definitions through two related concepts: the need for connecting to nature and the processes by which opportunities for such contact can be enhanced. It analyses the available nature from a scientific perspective of habitats, species and environments, together with the role of planning, to identify how children in cities can and do connect with nature. This book challenges the notion of a universal child and childhood by recognizing children's diverse life worlds and experiences which guide them into different and complex ways of interacting with the natural world.
Unfortunately not all children have the freedom to access the nature that is present in the cities where they live. This book addresses the challenge of designing biodiverse cities in which nature is readily accessible to children.
Contents
Part 1: Children and nature- approaches to nature 1. Conceptions of nature, contested definitions and approaches 2. Children's views and perspectives Part 2: Understanding urban biodiversity in a changing environment 3. Wild nature, biodiversity, habitats and species 4. Human dimensions of urban ecosystems 5. The changing city Part 3: Children and nature interactions 6. Children, families, nature and the home 7. Children, nature and health: the benefits of nature 8. Culture and nature, different experiences, different ways of interacting 9. Mediated Nature Part 4: Creating connections, making it happen - biodiverse environments for all children 10. Redressing the balance in challenging urban environments: bringing nature back to where children live 11. Working for and with children for more biodiverse cities 12. Towards better cities for children
