How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children's health

In Finland, kindergartens are exposing children to more mud, wild plants and moss - and finding changes to their health that show how crucial biodiversity is to wellbeingAurora Nikula, 5, is having a normal day at her nursery. She is making a cake out of sand and mud, adding in make-believe carrots, potatoes and meat. "It's overcooked," she says as she splashes water in, then adds another dollop of sand. "More sugar, it tastes better," she says. A handful of mud goes in, and the dish evolves into a chocolate cake.Aki Sinkkonen, a principal scientist with the Natural Resources Institute Finland, is watching. He's also very interested in Aurora's cake, but for different reasons. "Perfect," he says, admiring the way she is mixing soil, sand and leaves and then putting it on her face. "She's really getting her hands in it."Aki Sinkkonen (left) and Marja Roslund from the Natural Resources Institute Finland in the Humpula garden Continue reading...