For Children’s Sake Move to West Wales

Making mud pies, building dens and climbing trees have been the simple pleasures enjoyed by generations of children.  Sadly, however, researchers have found that dozens of traditional outdoor activities, loved by children for many years, are dying out only to be replaced by computer games.  Worryingly experts believe that this lack of outdoor activity is having a significant impact on childrens’ health.

The study, carried out by Eco Atrractions who interviewed 2,000 parents, found the average child spends just under 5 hours a week playing outside, less than half the 11 hours their parents’ generation enjoyed.  This is affecting their education about nature as they spend less time growing plants and spotting wildlife and they are missing out on the fun of splashing in puddles or having a picnic.  Previous studies have also indicated that the lack of outdoor play, getting dirty and interacting with pets at a young age may be a contributory factor in the rise of children with allergies and asthma.

The study showed that less than half the children had ever built a sandcastle, 53% had never had a picnic other than in their own garden and just 44% had been on a family bike ride. Just 30% had ever been our picking blackberries.

Of the parents interviewed, 75% said they would like their children to spend more time outdoors but almost half were worried to do so and 25% said they did not live near any green spaces.

West Wales is the ideal environment for children to be able to enjoy all the fantastic opportunities nature provides.  With its wonderful beaches, fields, mountains, woods and rivers, coupled with strong community spirit and one of the lowest crime rates in the UK, children can get back to enjoying  traditional pastimes and health benefits that come with this lifestyle.

Here are some of the activities children are missing out on but can have fun doing in West Wales:

Splashing in puddles

Building a snowman

Walking through squelchy mud

Playing in the woods

Having a snowball fight

Climbing trees

Building sandcastles

Having a picnic anywhere other than their own garden

Going on bike rides

Playing in the rain

Rock pooling

Playing in a park or playing field

Paddling in the sea, river or stream

Skimming stones

Going plant/animal spotting

Searching for insects

Helping to grow fruit & vegetables

Going blackberrying

Making a daisy chain

Looking for birds

Looking for conkers

Conker fights

Flying kites

Camping

Pond dipping

Playing pooh sticks

Planting seeds

Building a den

Going crabbing

Finding frogspawn.

If you are thinking of moving to Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion or Gower, or purchasing property here, then we would love to help you find your dream home.  Over 90% of the properties we find our clients never reach the open market, meaning they get the true pick of the crop.  We also conduct all negotiations on their behalf and micro-manage their purchase for them, saving them time, stress and money. Please call us on 01834 862816, email us on carol@westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk or check out our website at www.westwalespropertyfinders.co.uk.  We look forward to working with you.