Catherine launches project on nature and children’s development

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has launched a project exploring how nature, creativity and relationships might support young children’s social and emotional development. The initiative will use nature-based research, with possible educational visit sites provided by the Duchy of Cornwall, according to the BBC. [1]

The project is part of Catherine’s work through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. In a social media post, she said time outdoors was particularly important in a “tech-driven, digital age” and said she hoped the research would help make nature more accessible to families across the UK. [1]

Catherine said the project would take a “whole-child approach”, examining how natural environments could help nurture social and emotional skills linked to lifelong health and wellbeing. The BBC reported that no funding had been announced. [1]

The initiative adds to Catherine’s efforts to promote early-years education, including a visit earlier this year to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to learn about an approach centred on relationships and learning through play. She has also spoken publicly about nature’s importance to her during her recovery from cancer, describing it as her “sanctuary”. [1]