Five years ago Richard Louv published an unexpected bestseller, Last Child in the Woods, which explores what happens to individuals and society when kids stop going out into the natural world to play. “They're suffering from NDD, a 'nature deficit disorder',” he said.

“For this generation, nature is more of an abstraction than a physical reality. Kids today can tell you about the Amazon rainforest, but not about the last time they went into the woods alone.“

In the middle of June 65 kids from Pretoria were given such an opportunity to experience the veld. The camp, arranged by residents of the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy, took place over five days. Most came from needy families, several are orphans. The base, a large rambling house in Laezonia, nearly burst at the seams. The excited children, ranging from six to 12 years of age, swarmed over the jungle gyms, kicked soccer balls or tried to attract the attention of the roaming chickens and other farm animals.

The big day, however, was when they “climbed the mountain” and rode the horses. A cavalcade of bakkies and a truck set out to a local hill, Koppie-alleen (the "mountain"!), where the kids explored the rocks and crevices of the koppie, marvelling at the huge rock figs, the dassie droppings and the views over the veld and mountains.  It was illuminating to listen to the kids' remarks - some of whom have never been out of town.  One pointed at a cow and wanted to know "What's that animal?"  Another insisted that we should watch out for "the posionous crickets".  A third nearly lost his pants, cramming his pockets with a variety of pebbles which he found fascinating.  A budding geologist maybe?

The second delight was a short ride each on the horses of nearby Bonathaba Equestrian Farm. Watching the range of expressions, from sheer delight and pride to saddle-clinging wonder was an experience in itself.

And this echoes Richard Louv. “As the majority of us now live in cities, the debate grows around 'nearby nature' -- working to ensure that, wherever possible, urban design starts incorporating nature in ways it hasn’t until now; exploring ideas of eco-villages, urban wildlife corridors and, more recently, child corridors; nature trails instead of golf courses; natural regeneration plans for abandoned malls and inner-city wastelands.”

The Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy's Conservation Calendar offers a valuable opportunity for parents who want their children to experience “nearby nature”. And it's right on the doorstep of Joburg, Pretoria and Krugersdorp. This includes walks and talks on birds, flowers, scorpions, spiders, bats and geology (deails on www.veldtalk.co.za).

Helen Duigan

www.rhenosterspruit.co.za

www.rnc.za.net