The group of 400 organisations includes Play England, Play Scotland, Play Wales, the National Trust, RSPB, NHS Sustainable Development Unit, AMV BBDO, Green Lions and Swarm.

Mick Conway, nature play programme manager for Play England said: “For children, nature doesn’t have to be something out there and far away – it can just be the doorstep miracle of a dandelion growing from a crack in the pavement, the fun of jumping in a puddle or wondering why the sky is blue.”

As part of the activity surrounding the movement, a major new feature length documentary film ‘Project Wild Thing’ is showing at Picturehouse cinemas across the country. The film, directed by and starring David Bond, takes a look at the complex issue of why kids have lost touch with nature.

You can sign up and join the movement by visiting www.playengland.org.uk or www.projectwildthing.com