We thought we would spend some time in this newsletter to share some of the more global aspects of what we do. The Nature Action Collaborative is growing from strength to strength with people from around the globe coming together to create a world wide network of landscape designers, practitioners, policy makers, environmentalists and health workers. It is hoped that these interested parties can act to change the experiences that many of our children have of outdoor play. I am sure some of you reading this have just come in from a square of safety surface and are indeed wondering about the value of such a sterile space!

The World Forum Foundation's website will take you in to find more about the whole movement and many of our events in the near future. Alternatively you could come to our international event at Winton House in May 2008. It is designed to encourage networks and connections of people from Europe and beyond to share excellence and talk about the journey that they are all on to develop a quality experience for young children.

There are two conference days detailed below: Friday 9th May and Saturday 10th May 2008. The focus of the whole experience is Curiosity, so Winton House near Edinburgh is a great place to be since it is full of objects of curiosity as well as acres of land to explore. Part of the purpose for the event is to hear examples from other areas and countries so participants are invited to bring photographs and posters to share. A wonderful headteacher from Perth in Australia, Gillian McAuliffe, will share some awe inspiring work from her school/centre on Friday, and Helle Nebelong, a Danish landscape designer, will share her designs for curiosity on Saturday. Oh yes and I will be speaking too!!! Great networking often happens on walks and over dinner so we have arranged a residential aspect in an old farmhouse and cottage. We will meet on Friday night and stay through to Sunday to make felt pods, handle wire and wood, eat outside and do a bit of journaling.

All in all a time to relax and make merry. So if you know of anyone who might be interested from any profession linked to children do let them know.

For more information or booking check out our website.

Rekindling Curiosity and Enquiry in Children

Friday 9th May 2008

Keynote speakers:

• Claire Warden, Scotland - Awe and Wonder
• Gillian McAuliffe, Perth, Australia - Supporting Children's Exploration of their World. Workshops, discussions, posters.

Curious Environments

Saturday 10th May 2008

Keynote speakers:

• Claire Warden, Scotland - Global Perspectives
• Helle Nebelong, Denmark - Environments that Inspire Curiosity. Workshops, discussions, posters

(Residential option)