Ross, N., 2004, “That tree used to be everything to us”: the importance of natural and unkempt environments to children., in: OPENspace, ‘Open space, people space’, OPENspace, Edinburgh
- Author : Ross, N.
- Year : 2004
- Published in Book : Open space, people space
- Abstract in English : The importance of natural and unkempt areas to children is focused upon here. Findings are based on research conducted in Fife, Scotland with children aged ten to 12. Most children conveyed strong attachments to their local area, naming and describing many favourite places, relating a definite sense of belonging and an ability to make their own space. Important in this process was their use of natural and unkempt areas, environments that facilitated active and imaginative play. Part of the attraction of these spaces lies in their marginal status, they are part of the local environment, however they are spaces often disregarded by adults in their everyday routines and as such are outwith adults’ gaze. This research clearly conveys the ways in which children were able to make such spaces into play environments.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: children’s geographies, play environments. [paper 5 p.]