On Wednesday, thousands of children and young people from across the United Kingdom were out playing, celebrating Playday – the national day for play.

 This year’s Playday theme ‘Play Matters.’ celebrates the many benefits of playing out doors. Many of our childhood memories are reminiscent of climbing trees, making dens, jumping in puddles, making mud pies, rolling down hills, playing with water, chasing, hide and seek, climbing.

 It will be no surprise then to learn that when children talk about their preferred play experiences, they more often than not cite outdoor play as their favourite activity.   This makes sense; the outdoors is the very best place for children to practice and master emerging physical skills. Frequent and regular opportunities to explore and play in the outdoor environment is essential for children’s holistic health, their well-being, health, happiness, learning and development.