Project Wild Thing

Across the world, people are concerned by the shrinking connection between children and the natural world.  The scientific evidence is large and growing that children who spend too long indoors develop emotionally and physically more slowly than those with active outdoor lives. Within the INTO movement, we are particularly worried that, without a genuine connection to nature, we might produce a generation of children that grows up to turn a blind eye to critical environmental issues.

To address these concerns in 2012 the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland became very involved in the production of a feature-length documentary: PROJECT WILD THING.  The film launched in cinemas across the UK in October 2013.  It has already played in film festivals and on TV in over 30 countries around the world and has won a number of awards.

The film looks at the question in an entertaining and provocative way.  It has played in schools and communities across the UK and internationally where it has been used to raise awareness of the benefits of time spent outside for children, teachers and parents.

In the UK, the film has helped to launch THE WILD NETWORK – a network of over 2,000 organisations (which includes the National Trust) designed to raise awareness about the issue and to encourage children and parents to take time to be outdoors.  There more information on the film and the network at www.projectwildthing.com

We are very keen to spread the film and the movement as widely as possible.  Do please be in touch with the INTO Secretariat if you would like to discuss using the film in your country (subtitled if necessary).  Together we can arrange screenings, make the film available to your members for personal or community screenings and share our learning about the setting up and running of the WILD NETWORK in the UK.