Risks and Benefits in ‘Wilding’ Children’s Play
摘要
This chapter analyses findings from a comprehensive evaluation of the Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden (IPCWPG) in Centennial Parklands, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It investigates the ways that children of differing backgrounds and abilities engage in experiences of nature-based ‘wild play’ at the IPCWPG. Two main elements of wild play are explored, these being unstructured free play in nature and negotiating risks that children experiment with and learn from. The chapter elucidates the meanings that children, parents and educators make of their experiences of the IPCWPG, links the findings to the literature on nature play, and demonstrates the benefits for physical, social and learning development, as well as for wellbeing, nature connectedness and environmental awareness. Through exploring and playing in the IPCWPG, children learn to overcome challenges, physically extend themselves, and immerse themselves in a range of nature engagement opportunities. The multiple ways children engage with the Garden, are discussed alongside the benefits. Nature play in the IPCWG generated enthusiasm and creativity, combining physical activity with freedom and fun. The negotiation of risk was found to be an important element of experiencing the IPCWPG, enabling children to learn to navigate challenging situations, build self-regulation, and develop risk assessment capacities.