Nature Premium campaign

That this House expresses its support for the implementation of a Nature Premium to fund regular nature experiences for all children; notes that Government and academic research has demonstrated that time spent in nature will benefit children’s mental and physical wellbeing and set them up to learn; further notes that a Nature Premium would be an effective way to support all children recovering from lockdown by increasing children’s physical activity thereby reducing obesity, increasing Vitamin D levels thereby helping to fight virus infections and reducing stress levels making learning easier; highlights that the Nature Premium would support schools to develop outdoor education provision creating safer learning environments, while saving money on increased mental health intervention provision; and further highlights that Natural England have reported the increasing trend that in the percentage of adults who think that learning outside or about nature is especially important for their child at this time; and acknowledges that the Nature Premium would make children happier and aware of how they fit into the natural world increasing their respect for the countryside.