Latest News

Parents are condemning their children to a toxic inheritance of ill health by allowing them to stay indoors this summer warns Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman.

A recent survey, sponsored by Natural England, revealed that children's access to natural spaces has plummeted over 50% in a generation.

 

 

Playing outdoors is a vital part of a healthy child's development, parents are abusing their children by not encouraging them to switch off their computers and televisions and go out in the fresh air.

To raise awareness for this cause Barry Sheerman has embarked on an 80 mile walk from Epping Forest to Helpston near Peterborough. The final day of the walk, Monday 13th July, will coincide with the opening of a National Centre for Learning Outside the Classroom, in Helpston. The centre is designed specifically to transform learning experiences through hands on engagement with the countryside.

Barry Sheerman said: "It is every child's birthright to have access to the English countryside. I think it is appalling that we are allowing a generation of young people to sleepwalk into poor health and obesity by sitting in front of a computer or television screen. We are privileged in this country to have such beautiful open land and there has never been a more important time to get kids outside and keep them active.

For more information about the John Clare Walk, click the link below.

John Clare Walk