When I think back to being in Yorkshire as a lad, I remember that just being outside had as much to offer as actual gardening. The fresh air was good. There was freedom and space to muck about with my friends, to run, climb and ride my bike. I could be noisy, make dens, get filthy dirty and use my imagination. I loved playing out on the moors, down by the river, in the bluebell woods - and getting out of my parents' hair and giving them a bit of peace.
Just like me then, children today need the time, freedom and space to play outside. Gardens are a good place for this, and playing in them must not be frowned on for the sake of keeping a border untrampled. Where children don't have access to gardens of their own, parks, recreation grounds, village greens and other open spaces are a good alternative, and areas in schools, nurseries and playgroups should be developed as much as possible.
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