A new film airs across cinemas this month, showcasing efforts to reconnect children with nature.

Project Wild Thing represents an ambitious movement aiming to get young people and their parents outdoors, with the feature-length documentary taking a closer look at the complex issues surrounding children’s increasing lack of engagement with nature.

Chair of Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, Professor Michael Depledge, features in the film and believes that reaffirming our connection with the environment is more important now than ever:

“As global population increases and our insatiable demand for natural resources continues, it’s vital that we ensure younger generations have an appreciation for nature – and the health and wellbeing benefits it can deliver. Without this connection, we’re going to find it very difficult to balance future economic development with the preservation of our environment.”

Project Wild Thing draws on growing opinions that children in developed countries are suffering from ‘nature deficit disorder’, whilst a growing base of academic evidence is pointing towards the benefits that the environment can offer, to both health and wellbeing.

One such on-going study at the Centre is focusing on how educational practices can help to reconnect children with the environment and instill a sense of custodianship.

Click here to learn more about the film, and find a cinema showing it near you.