Wyre Forest centre slams 'cotton wool kids' culture (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Wyre Forest centre slams 'cotton wool kids' culture

9:20am Sunday 12th April 2009

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A WYRE Forest adventure centre has reacted to a survey that says the countryside is out of bounds to a generation of “cotton wool kids”.

The survey by Natural England found less than 10 per cent of children played in natural open spaces, compared with 40 per cent of adults when they where young.

Go Ape, in the Wyre Forest, was launched last month and includes high wires, tarzan swings and rope ladders.

“Chief gorilla” at the centre, Tristram Mayhew, said: “We are committed to doing our bit to counter the epidemic of the cotton wool culture which concedes to the notion that all risk must be bad.

“We believe that zero risk equals zero development and that responsible risk taking generates important societal benefits, such as building self confidence and encouraging an ‘I can’ rather than an ‘I can’t’ attitude.”

The survey also revealed contact with nature has halved in a generation and the majority of children want more opportunities to play outdoors, with more than 81 per cent of children saying they would like more freedom to play outside.

Rebecca Mayhew, Go Ape’s communications director, said: “We see ourselves as an eco-educational experience. Participants absorb valuable risk assessment and risk management skills, while having a naturally thrilling time on an environmentally responsible and sustainable activity.”

Poul Christensen of Natural England said children were being denied the “fundamental sense of independence and experience which comes from exploring the natural world”.

He added: “Whether through pond dipping or tree climbing, nature-based activities can play an important role in the educational and social development of children. The natural environment is there to be explored by children - it is their right.”

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