Princess of Wales Launches Nature-Based Research for Early Childhood
New initiative explores how outdoor environments support social and emotional development in young children.
Sarah Connor
The Princess of Wales has commissioned new research into nature's role in early childhood development.
The Centre for Early Childhood, founded by the Princess, now collaborates with Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall estate on a new project. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Duchy's Nansledan site in Cornwall, a sustainable urban extension of Newquay, to observe nature-based learning approaches firsthand.
A new photograph of Catherine, taken in Cornwall, accompanies the project's announcement. The Princess stated, "Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and, in this tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important."
Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and, in this tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important.
Catherine further explained, "This project is about exploring how nature, creativity and relationships can best support the healthy development of babies and young children." She added that a whole-child approach is important, with nature serving as a place to nurture social and emotional skills that underpin lifelong health.
The Princess expressed her hope that this practical, nature-based research will build supportive environments, making nature more accessible for families across the UK. New scientific research increasingly shows nature's importance for psychological and physiological wellbeing, she noted.
Prince William takes a keen interest in the project, given his role in running The Duchy of Cornwall. No funding has been announced for the project so far.
William revealed that he and Catherine banned their three children from having phones. Prince George will receive one upon enrolling at Eton, he confirmed.