As evidence grows on the crucial role of outdoor play in early childhood development, wellness coach, forest bathing expert and children’s author Nigel Grimes is helping children rediscover the joy of slow time outdoors without screens, pressure or perfection. Nigel’s debut book The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover the Magic of Nature is the first UK-originated children’s picture book to integrate forest bathing, sensory mindfulness, and research-backed wellbeing guidance in one accessible, story-led format.
Why Classrooms Should Go Green: The Science Behind Outdoor Learning
With growing concerns about children’s mental health and attention in the digital age, Nigel is calling for nurseries and schools to embrace the outdoors as a classroom. He comments: “Children today need nature as much as nature needs them, even short outdoor sessions can improve focus, reduce stress and foster curiosity – all essential for a thriving classroom.”
The Evidence: Nature Supports Learning
Recent research highlights significant benefits of outdoor learning for children:
- Improved concentration, memory, and attention span
- Emotional resilience, reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills
- Better physical health, including stronger immune function through natural exposure
- Gross and fine motor skill development
- Improved academic performance and school attendance
Learning Through Story and Sensory Play
Nigel’s book follows a young girl and her grandmother exploring the forest, offering both imaginative storytelling and practical wellbeing exercises. Through mindful observation, sensory games and playful exploration, children learn to connect with the natural world, supporting both emotional regulation and cognitive development. Children are invited to engage all their senses, notice the small wonders of the outdoors and reflect on their feelings, skills that nurture self-awareness, empathy and emotional regulation.
Instilling a Love of Nature
Beyond educational benefits, the book encourages environmental awareness. “When children learn to love nature, they also learn to care for it, planting the seeds for a more sustainable future,” Grimes explains. “Nurseries and schools have a unique opportunity to help children develop habits that benefit both their wellbeing and the planet.”
How Nature-Based Play Builds Happier and Healthier Children
Nature offers children experiences that no classroom or screen can replicate. Through gentle storytelling and interactive activities, this book supports educators and families in helping children grow strong, confident and curious about the world around them.
“Children today need nature as much as nature needs them,” says Grimes. “Early exposure to outdoor environments helps them build confidence, creativity and social skills, all while learning to care for the world around them. Through gentle storytelling and interactive activities, this book supports nurseries and families in helping children grow strong, confident and curious about the world around them.”
By integrating simple forest-based activities, educators can provide rich and sensory learning opportunities. Grimes’ experience as a certified Forest Bathing Guide, Breathing Coach and Life Coach offers practical insights for how even short outdoor sessions can make a measurable difference in children’s wellbeing. As well as adopting children who have experienced early-life trauma and who have neurodiverse traits and needs, Nigel has also worked with children and young adults with neurodiverse and additional needs across NHS Trusts and educational settings.
Encouraging Responsibility from a Young Age
Beyond developmental benefits, The Forest’s Secret encourages children to appreciate and care for the natural environment. “When children learn to love nature, they also learn to care for it, planting seeds of curiosity and responsibility for the planet’s future,” Grimes adds.
The book can be purchased via Amazon, paperback copies RRP £12.99 and hardback £19.99.
