In Finland, a unique experiment is taking place in kindergartens. Children are encouraged to play with mud, dig in soil, and interact with natural elements. This approach, part of a growing movement, aims to boost children’s health by increasing their exposure to the diverse microscopic life found in nature. Researchers believe this connection between external biodiversity and our internal health is crucial.
Humpula daycare centre in Lahti is one of 43 centres participating in this initiative. They have received significant funding to transform their outdoor spaces into more natural environments. Instead of just sand and gravel, children now have access to a forest floor brought directly into the playground. This imported soil, rich with plants, moss, and microbial life, allows children to engage with nature in a hands-on way. They mix mud, collect ingredients for pretend meals, and explore the natural world around them.
Aki Sinkkonen, a scientist from the Natural Resources Institute Finland, is enthusiastic about the children’s interaction with the soil. He sees it as a positive sign, indicating that children are connecting with the natural environment. This is a departure from traditional hygiene-focused approaches where such activities might be discouraged.
The Humpula centre has also embraced growing their own food. Children help tend to vegetable patches, growing beetroot, carrots, and other produce. This not only teaches them about where food comes from but also enhances their connection with the earth.
This initiative is part of a two-year study examining how these ‘rewilded’ environments affect children’s health. The study compares children in these natural settings with those in traditional, more sterile environments. Researchers are looking at changes in the microbial composition of children’s skin, saliva, and faeces, as well as their immune responses. Early results are promising, showing reduced levels of harmful bacteria and stronger immune defences in children exposed to nature.
Scientists are increasingly exploring the ‘old friends’ hypothesis. This theory suggests that humans have evolved alongside microbes found in nature. Early exposure to these natural microbes helps develop a healthy immune system. A lack of such exposure may contribute to the rise in allergies and autoimmune diseases seen today.
The findings from Finland are supported by other research. An Australian study found similar benefits in children who played with different types of soil. This growing body of evidence is encouraging more centres to adopt similar practices. For example, the Poutapilvi-Puimuri daycare centre in Helsinki is being redesigned to incorporate more natural elements like trees, rocks, and grassy areas.
This movement highlights the critical link between healthy ecosystems and human well-being. As biodiversity loss continues globally, these initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to safeguarding both environmental and human health. Creating more biodiverse environments in early childhood settings offers a win-win solution, benefiting children’s health and the natural world.