ONE of Scotland’s best known wildlife filmmakers has backed a new drive to get children playing outdoors.

Television presenter Gordon Buchanan has added his name to a growing list of people and organisations committed to outdoor education.

The move comes as the Scottish Government publishes new guidance for nurseries to help them take learning outside.

Mr Buchanan said: “Encouraging children from all backgrounds and abilities to get outside, learn about and experience the great outdoors is imperative and inspiring.

Read more: Nurseries urged to get children outdoors to play

“If we are to improve the health and wellbeing of our children and instil in them an appreciation for the beautiful world in which we live, we must reconnect them with the natural world.

“In a time of declining health and catastrophic climate change, this is more important than ever.”

Scotland’s Outdoor Play and Learning Coalition statement has now been backed by 87 signatories including charities and councils across the country.

The Out to Play guidance gives advice to nursery providers wanting to set up an outdoors nursery or indoor nurseries looking to increase outdoor learning.

Maree Todd, the Children’s Minister, said: “Playing outdoors is good for children’s health and wellbeing, develops their social skills and is great fun.

“Our expansion of funded early learning and childcare provides an opportunity to redefine the type of experience we offer children.”