Princess of Wales appears in short film

The Princess of Wales has appeared in a short film discussing the importance of nature and its influence on our health and wellbeing.

The Princess, Joint President of Scouts, appears alongside Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout, during a visit to the Lake District last month. They spent time with a group of Scouts aged between 10 and 15 from groups near the shores of Lake Windermere as they strived to earn their Naturalist Badge.

She and Dwayne discussed how spending time in nature can help build skills of empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging.

During the film, The Princess of Wales says, “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection I suppose, these environments. Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature, but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world.”

Dwayne adds, “I think it’s really important for young people to have access to nature because it’s a space where they can push themselves, they can challenge themselves, they learn leadership skills, spend time making friends and those life-long really great memories that we all hold onto. And
I think if we can do that, we’ll build up a generation who is passionate about our natural spaces

Reflecting on the film, Dwayne said, “In an increasingly complex world digital technology has its place, but the few hours we spent in the hills without screens was magical: we are often at our best in the outdoors, and I want more young people to experience outdoor adventures like this for themselves. Outdoor adventures can build the vital skills young people need for the rest of their lives, they hugely benefit health and wellbeing, and boost friendships. And with the help of more adult volunteers, we hope to get more young people out into nature in the future.”