Children going wild for nature pack

Mar 13 2013

Parents and toddlers are being encouraged to engage with wildlife and explore nature to enhance youngsters' learning.

From counting animals, singing or roaring like a lion, a list of "30 wild things to do before you're three" has been published by Scottish Government-backed education group PlayTalkRead.

The organisation encourages parents to interact with their children rather than spending money on expensive toys and its latest campaign coincides with the year of Natural Scotland, an initiative to celebrate outdoor activities.

As part of the campaign, children under three can get into Blair Drummond Safari Park for free and staff have created an activity trail to allow families to get close to a host of animals and learn about their world.

Dave Warren, education officer at the safari park near Stirling, said: "We know the importance of providing fun, family-friendly activities so that parents can interact with their children. It's safe to say all children who come here are fascinated by our animals and the natural world.

"Our partnership with the PlayTalkRead campaign gives families who visit us a chance to learn more about nature and wildlife through playing, talking and reading together.

"We often take for granted how important these moments of simple parenting interactions are, and how also a simple message or deft moment can inspire young minds - they really do make a huge difference in the long-term."

The full list of things to do will be available at the park, which reopens this weekend, or visit the PlayTalkRead website at www.playtalkread.org/ to download it.

Aileen Campbell, minister for children and young people, said: "We can never underestimate the power of play and the important role it plays in the long-term development of our wee ones.

"The new 30 wild things to do before you're three list we've created with Blair Drummond offers some really fun, inspiring new ways to have fun together while learning about the great outdoors and meeting some magnificent animals at the same time. As a mum, I can't wait to get down to the park and tick some activities off the list."