Sam Crosby in the Wild Play garden with other nature play educators.

In the era of helicopter parenting, it’s heartening that there are moves

afoot to offer children a more ‘‘hummingbird’’ experience through unstructured nature

play.

The idea is to provide a safe environment where youngsters are encouraged to climb, run, jump and even get dirty among leaves, pine cones, gumnuts, sand, mud and water.

Play areas following this philosophy help foster resilient, nature-smart kids who are engaged with the outdoors.

Leading ecological educator and trainer Sam Crosby has, for the past seven years, been co-ordinator of education and community program for Centennial Parklands and the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.