ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book highlights the importance of the natural world to our health and well-being and, in the context of the book, how regular contact with the natural world has always been an intrinsic element in healthy human learning and development. This is backed by much of the research carried out recently, pulled together towards the end of the book, particularly into brain/body development and how the outdoor world is one of the important ‘glues’ for developing good cognition. Forest School principles are illuminated and discussed. The book also explores the important role that empathy and language play in creating productive and resilient learning communities. It looks at the antecedents of a nature-based education and the values that we feel underpin such a pedagogy.
