CONTEXT/BACKGROUND OF PROJECT:; This project is a result of working with Nature-kindergartens the last 25 years, with the use of nature as a learning arena. We see that the results are exceptional in many ways on the Children involved in this practice. . This experience has led to cooperation with different Nature based Kindergartens, also abroad. We have had a lot of cooperation with the Scottish partners, and have decided that this work is much to important not to give wide attendance in all of Europe. So we have contacted 2 new partners that is relevant in this project, and we think we have got a strong case. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT; We have focused on 3 main objectives: 1. A description on different ways of conducting the nature focus in the childcare sector in 4 European Countries. 2. A presentation of best practice in 4 Nature-kindergartens in 4 different European Countries, describing methods and philosophy. 3. Making a learning Video of best practice in 4 Nature-kindergartens in 4 European Countries, to use in education and as inspiration together with the other material. NUMBER AND PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS; There are 4 different Nature-kindergartens in 4 different Countries involved: - From Scotland we have the Mindstretchers Organization, represented with Auchlone Nature-kindergarten. They have a base in a little old farmhouse in the countryside, and an area outside consisting of a large outdoor-space which they have formed out together with the Children, + a large part of the nearby Woods, also including a small Pond. They are basically working with the system and philosophy of "Talking and thinking Floor-books", which is reflected in creating learning paths through the Children's own initiative and ways of thinking. It is also a very good method for documentation. - From England we have the Boldon Nursery School. They are an urban institution, in the middle of the City. They have a modern Kindergarten on ground level, with possibility to open big sliding doors on the side of the building facing the outdoor area. In that way they can include the indoors to the outdoor area in their activities. They have built a outdoor area on a nature model, trying to reflect different natural environments. They are also leaning heavily on the "Talking and thinking Floor book" methods. - From the Czech Republic we have Zakladni a materska skola Jurta. They are situated outside Decin Town, in a rural environment, surrounded with farmland and big forest areas. There are lots of farming and animals involved in their everyday life. They have their own modern "school building", but are mostly outside through the days. They have made their own base up in the woods about 20-30 min. away, and spend most of their days in that area. - From Norway we have Hval Gård Naturbarnehage. They are based in several small cabins without electric heating. They are practically outside all the time. The Cabins are set on the outskirts of a larger Kindergartens area, with open woodlands all around, and close to the Sea. They also have a big Boat, and some smaller ones, to go fishing and traveling with the groups on the sea and surrounding Islands. They also have a mini-bus to use for going on longer trips in the Community surroundings. They are also working with "Talking and thinking Floor-books" as a method. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES: * Planning through meetings every 6 months of the Project groups (2 persons) from each Country, with evaluation of visits and making reports. Also planning further ahead. * 1 study visit with the Working-groups (4 persons) from each Country to the other Country's Kindergartens. * Working with documentation in the field every day - pictures and video mostly. METHODOLOGY TO BE USED TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECT; * Video meetings with reporting from each of the Countries to the Norwegian administration every Month. * Making reports on the progress of the project on our Internet site. * Administrating and publishing on our Facebook site * Gradually through the 3 years-putting together a Report and a Video documentary from each Country. Also to be evaluated in the Project group meetings, and putting it all together at the end. DESCRIPTION OF RESULTS AND IMPACT ENVISAGED: We observe self confident children, with great qualities on cooperating with other children and good ability on finding creative ways of problem solving. Physically strong Children,which can manage in almost every situation, and they can handle a lot of necessary tools. They have also learned a lot about contrasts like cold / warm, exhausted/comfortable, passive learning/deep studies. THE POTENTIAL LONGER TERM BENEFITS: Great lasting learning potential. Socially strong and very healthy Children. Great social Capital. New learning models presented. Inspiration to Personnel and Organizations. To be used in education.