On today’s episode, I speak with Cath Fitzhardinge, an OT who is a strong advocate of nature play and children spending time outdoors so much so that she is currently completing a Masters of Philosophy (Arts & Sciences) at Notre Dame University Australia where she is researching play opportunities and the utilization of an intentionally designed nature play space in a primary school to support children’s health, wellbeing and learning.

Cath and I discuss:

🌸 What nature play, messy play and sensory mean for children's well-being.

🌸 How nature play benefits sensory integration and regulation.

🌸 Low-cost options for providing nature play experiences.

🌸 Is there a difference in play quality on traditional playgrounds compared to nature play settings?

🌸 Moving past perceived constraints for getting outside and looking for those pockets of opportunity.

🌸 Considering the critical role of accessibility for play spaces.

Here are the resources shared in our discussion:

REmida WA

Educated by Nature

Take a peak at the amazing play space Cath has created in her front yard.

Download her booklet - How Nature Play Spaces Promote Positive Child Development

Cath is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience working in rural, remote, and urban settings. She understands that meaningful access to nature is essential for humans to thrive and critical to health and well-being. Cath supports children, families, and organizations to embrace nature connection, health, and well-being through meaningful occupation (e.g. nature play) to foster resilience, confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Having grown up in small West Australian country towns, Cath deeply values the richness and connection that being, and playing outdoors brings to children, particularly to those living in busy urban environments. Cath shares this passion with her children, their friends, and all the children and families she works with, and is so grateful to be living, playing, and learning on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja (Perth, WA).

Connect with Cath:

💫 Find her on Instagram: @cathfitz_ot

💫 Visit her website: Cath Fitz OT

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EP 13 | Nature Play + Regulation in the Outdoors with Cath Fitzhardinge

The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

EP 13 | Nature Play + Regulation in the Outdoors with Cath Fitzhardinge