‘Nature & Play’ (Winter edition)

Why January Nature Matters for Children

January often feels like a pause.

After the noise and colour of December, the world can seem quieter, colder, and a little stripped back. Trees stand bare. Colours soften. Movement slows.

For children, this quieter season is far from empty, it is rich with possibility.

Winter invites a different kind of connection with nature. One that is slower, gentler, and deeply nourishing.

Winter teaches children to notice

Without the distraction of bright flowers or buzzing insects, January encourages children to tune into smaller details.

The sound of the wind through branches.
The crunch of frost underfoot.
The weight of a stone in a cold hand.

These moments build observational skills, patience, and presence, all foundations of immersive learning.

Children don’t always need nature to be loud to engage with it, actually, often, they need it to be quiet.

Nature & Play is not about doing more

At Nature & Play, we don’t believe children need more activities, more structure, or more things to achieve.

We believe in:

• small invitations

• open-ended moments

• child-led discovery

• time and space to simply be

January is the perfect time to embrace this approach.

A short walk.
A pause to listen.
A moment of stillness.

These are not “less than” summer play, they are just different, and just as valuable.

Winter supports emotional wellbeing

Nature in winter naturally mirrors how many children feel at this time of year.

Slower.
Quieter.
In need of warmth and reassurance.

Spending time outdoors, even briefly, helps children regulate emotions, release energy gently, and feel grounded in their bodies.

There is comfort in noticing that nature, too, as it rests and restores the senses.

Building a year long relationship with nature

When children are encouraged to connect with nature in winter, they learn something powerful:

Nature is not just for sunny days. It is there in all seasons. In all weathers. In all moods.

This understanding builds resilience, respect, and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world.

Throughout the year, I’ll be introducing seasonal ways to help encourage all the family to get out in nature and become a little more involved outdoors. Each season there will be a new downloadable pack, aimed at parents or carers, to offer some ideas on activities. The first WINTER pack is here , keep an eye out for SPRING/SUMMER & AUTUMN additions as the year goes on.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram & Facebook, where there will be posts with lots more ideas!