Nurturing Planet Champions
We are facing an alarming disconnect between children and the natural world. Despite the wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, it seems that environmental responsibility is not being instilled in our youngest learners early enough. A recent visit to Bali opened my eyes to the stark reality of environmental neglect—monkeys drinking from discarded plastic water bottles, and underwater landscapes ruined by floating rubbish. These vivid examples made me realise how disconnected we have become from the environment. When you are snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, only to find that your photograph is ruined by floating plastic, it’s a powerful wake-up call to the urgent need for change.
The importance of teaching children to care for our planet cannot be overstated. If we do not educate our children from the earliest opportunity about environmental responsibility, how can we expect them to protect our planet in the future? The disconnect between children and nature is growing at an alarming rate. When a three-year-old child is asked, ‘Where does food come from?’ and answers, ‘Tesco’ (other supermarkets are available!), it highlights a significant gap in their understanding of how food is grown and the importance of caring for the earth that sustains us.
It’s not enough for us to simply acknowledge the environmental crisis—our youngest children need to experience and understand their role in protecting the planet. We must teach them the joy of growing their own produce, whether it’s from a small seedling they’ve tended to or fruits and vegetables they’ve nurtured from start to finish. It’s also crucial that they understand the importance of recycling, and that small actions—such as turning off lights, saving water, and reducing waste—make a significant impact on the environment.
At Canopy Nurseries, we are fully committed to embedding environmental respect in our curriculum. Our Canopy Cares programme offers immersive learning experiences where children can connect with nature, learn how to grow food, and develop a lifelong respect for the planet. These hands-on experiences are invaluable, not just for their education but for the world they will inherit.
Teaching our children to be conscious of their environmental footprint, respect nature, and take action to protect the planet is vital for a sustainable future. At Canopy Nurseries, we aim to equip our youngest learners with the knowledge and skills they need to become dedicated planet champions. Through environmental education, we can raise a generation that not only understands the importance of sustainability but actively contributes to it.