Outdoor Play & Nature Time: Harnessing Local Green Spaces to Support Wellbeing

Being a foster carer in the North West offers you wonderful opportunities to connect foster children with inspiring green spaces close to home – places such as Beacon Fell Country Park (the park which inspired the name of our agency), community parks in Liverpool and Manchester or the rolling landscapes across Lancashire. Nature isn’t just fun—it bridges emotional wellbeing, confidence, and trust.

Why Nature Matters in Fostering

Children entering foster care often carry anxiety, grief, or difficulty regulating emotions. Spending time in natural environments supports:

• Reduced stress & heightened calmness
  Studies show that even short walks outdoors lower cortisol levels and create mental clarity.

• Improved focus & confidence
  Tasks like building a den or climbing on logs can foster a sense of mastery, helpful for children transitioning into care.

• Enhanced emotional expression
  Play stimulates movement and release – skipping stones, turning over leaves, or gentle exploration allows emotions to be processed through action.

How to Make Outdoor Time Work

1. Discover local favourites
Beacon Fell, country parks, community trails and family‑friendly woodlands in Lancashire offer safe, engaging environments. Explore different spots together – find the ones that feel most comfortable.

2. Create gentle routines
Schedule a weekly nature outing. Whether it’s gathering pine cones, identifying flowers, or sketching squirrels, having predictable, relaxed traditions helps children feel secure.

3. Keep it child-led
Allow foster children to choose: chasing a butterfly, jumping puddles, or having a picnic. When they direct the play, it builds autonomy and emotional safety.

4. Invite sensory awareness
Pause during walks for sensory discovery: listening to birdsong, feeling moss, or watching clouds drift. This supports children who may struggle with overwhelming sensory experiences indoors.

5. Blend play with conversation
Nature walks naturally open space for gentle chat. Ask non-invasive questions – “What’s been on your mind?”- while navigating a trail. Moving together often eases communication.

Real Benefits Families See

Many carers report:

• Faster attachment between child and carer, built through shared adventure.

• Reduced evening meltdowns or anxiety when children have had time to move and breathe outdoors.

• Positive mentions in return‑to‑home assessments or review meetings: foster children expressing pride in newly discovered strengths, like climbing a hill or building dens.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor play doesn’t have to be elaborate – just a little forest dome, an empty trail, or a Welsh valley vista can start transformation. For foster carers through Beacon Fostering, nature is not only accessible but therapeutic – helping children feel rooted, noticed and empowered.

To explore local green spaces and events supported by Beacon Fostering, just get in touch. Together, we can nurture brighter futures – one woodland walk at a time.