Sense Education explores the link between Nature and SEND
How being outside in nature can benefit children with SEN in Cumbria
Life can be hectic. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day and to overlook the simple beauty and tranquillity that nature can offer us. For children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), the outdoors can be a powerful developmental, and well-being ally. The outdoors can provide wide-ranging benefits from sensory stimulation to emotional regulation. We’ve written this blog to explore some of the key reasons why we feel that nature should play a key role in the lives of children and young people with SEND, as well as highlighting some of the most outstandingly beautiful outdoor areas that our wonderful county Cumbria has to offer.
Outside benefits:
- Sensory stimulation – The feel of cool water running from a river to the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, these experiences can be incredibly enriching for cognitive development and can help raise levels of self-awareness.
- Soothing and stress reduction – There is plenty of research to suggest that being in the natural environment can relieve stress and reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of calm to children with SEND.
- Physical well-being – The sun will provide a boost of vitamin D which promotes immune and bone health amongst others. Also, taking part in physical activity in the outdoors can promote physical fitness for children with SEND.
- Social interaction – Through shared experiences in nature, children with SEND can build friendships and develop a shared sense of belonging.
- Imagination and creativity – The outdoors can spark creativity, providing a natural canvas for self-expression.
Cumbria is blessed with many beautiful natural environments for you to explore with your SEN children:
1. Lake District National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for it’s rugged mountains and serene lakes.
2. Solway Coast – stretching along the northern edge of Cumbria famous for it’s sandy beaches and salt marshes
3. Eden Valley – in the east of Cumbria featuring plenty of peaceful countryside, winding rivers and pretty market towns
4. Hadrians Wall – another UNESCO World Heritage Site running through parts of Cumbria providing a fascinating glimpse into roman history
5. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – also reaches Cumbria and is full of deep dales and cascading waterfalls
6. Morecambe Bay – borders the county of Cumbria to the south east. Enjoy the tidal flats, shifting sands and diverse range of birdlife.
In conclusion, nature has the power to support and enrich the lives of children with SEND. By incorporating outdoor experiences into their lives, we can help them thrive and reach their full potential and we are blessed to have such a wonderful range of beautiful natural environments to enjoy and explore right here in Cumbria.
So, get out there!
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