Nature can help us find new ways to address societal challenges caused by urbanization, climate change, and declining biodiversity. A collaboration between researchers from Jönköping University (JU), preschools, schools, housing companies, contractors, and Keep Sweden Tidy shows that collaboration, combined with research and innovation, can solve multiple societal challenges at the same time.
As cities have become more densely populated, children’s opportunities to play in natural environments have declined dramatically. At the same time, biodiversity has been depleted and society has become more vulnerable to climate change. One way to address these challenges is through the introduction of more thoughtfully planned vegetation in children’s immediate surroundings.
An inspiring example of what this collaboration has achieved can be found buried in the ground at the Jordgubbsbacken preschool playground in Eksjö. Biochar, crushed stone, and green compost have been mixed into the soil, making it more resistant to trampling so that the children can play among the berry bushes and fruit trees without damaging the plant roots. Biochar helps give the soil a good structure that retains the moisture and air the plant roots need. This promotes better growth. At the same time, the carbon atoms in the biochar are sequestered in the soil. Since plants grow better, even more carbon atoms are sequestered in the plant’s above-ground parts.
“Through practical action and learning about sustainable solutions, we can create biologically richer environments that benefit both children and adults. Transitioning to sustainability can be fun, and there is hope that together we can make a difference,” says Ellen Almers, a researcher at JU.
Preschool teacher My Molinder Ragnarsson works at the Jordgubbsbacken preschool in Eksjö.
“I used to work at a preschool in an eight-story building in another city. We didn’t have a playground, and it was a stark contrast to Jordgubbsbacken and the environment here. The children here are always on the move, and they have opportunities to do things like climb trees. The interior design and color scheme create a sense of calm that affects the children. I can see that it does them good. I also notice that I feel good myself and have more energy left when I get home after a workday; the environment here makes me feel good both mentally and physically.
Mia Hagström, the principal of Jordgubbsbacken Preschool, has been involved in the process from the decision to build a new preschool to its current operation.
– We’ve kept sustainability in mind throughout the entire process. Being close to nature brings great joy to both children and adults. We want to spark an interest in gardening, and the children have the opportunity to touch, smell, and taste, engaging all their senses in our preschool garden.
Research project led to richer outdoor environments
The use of biochar in Eksjö is one of several best practices being promoted through the SMULLE research communication project, which stands for Collaboration for Multifunctional Outdoor Environments for Play, Learning, and Enhanced Ecosystem Services. SMULLE builds on the findings of a research project conducted in collaboration with ten preschools in Jönköping County, the region’s public health department, and Riksbyggen. At the ten preschools, children and preschool teachers, in collaboration with researchers, property owners, parents, custodians, municipalities, and other stakeholders, developed their outdoor environments, largely using nature-based solutions. The preschools’ goal was for the outdoor environments to become richer both biologically and pedagogically and to contribute to both play and learning.
Inspiring examples
The SMULLE Challenge encourages more people to improve their local environment and share their experiences with others. With support from the Swedish Research Council Formas, researchers at JU are collaborating with the Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation to disseminate findings and ideas so that others can benefit from them. Preschools and schools have submitted entries describing how they have sown or planted plants that provide food for pollinating insects throughout the growing season. Others have built insect hotels where wild bees can lay eggs and raise their larvae. Birdhouses and bat boxes have been installed, and the children have built hedgehog hotels as well as grown vegetables, berries, and fruit. One entry features a mini-forest garden, with perennial edible plants that provide a home for small animals while also offering food for children and adults from spring through fall. The examples from preschools and schools offer inspiration and hope that change is indeed possible.