News & Media

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." - Margaret Fuller

Eco Voice | July 2, 2026 |

Why the spaces around children matter

Melbourne based Urban Discovery urges schools, councils and communities to recognise nature-rich habitats for play as essential to children’s learning, regulation and wellbeing

The Sector | June, 2026

Nature play and child wellbeing: an ancient solution for a modern problem

Across Australia, educators are seeking solutions to crammed curriculums, overwhelmed administrations and disengaged children. In some cases, innovative teams are leading a growing movement back towards natural environments, outdoor learning, and child-led exploration. 

Education Today | June 10, 2026

Work of Play - Learning Outdoors

Outdoor learning areas, when done well, can be revolutionary to learning and school environment.

The Fifth Estate | 15 June, 2026

Get off your phone, kids. There might be a risky and challenging playground to explore nearby

Experts say [nature-based playspaces] help children build confidence, resilience, social connection and emotional regulation – and incorporating nature into designs should be essential.

The Landscaping Podcast | February, 2026

Episode 277

In this episode I speak with Ross Uebergang, Jenn Reed and Rorie Clarke. Jenn and Rorie are from Urban Discovery and they're doing a unique garden at this years Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and leaning on Ross for his experience with Show Gardens.

Children are intrinsically curious and creative. When given opportunities they will always engage in play, which is where learning and skills develop with ease. Check out these photos of children's constructions in The Wildplace at the @melbflowersh
“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered indicator species: the
Childhood is fleeting. And foundational to the rest of a person’s life. Young children in Australia spend an average of 25.9 hours on a screen and 34.2 hours per week in formal early childhood education and care. The spaces we provide for th
Behind the Scenes…. Hi Folks, This may very well be the first photo we’ve ever shared of our team! Each one of us brings a unique perspective to the Urban Discovery Collective and the work that we do together. We are all passionate,
Why Loose Parts? Practitioners and researchers widely endorse loose parts for fostering creativity, divergent thinking, and problem-solving skills. Teachers in loose parts interventions report unanimous increases in creative play. A 2024 quasi-exper
When a children’s space becomes a construction zone there are many factors to consider to ensure that children are kept safe at all times and that the programme can continue with as little interruption as possible. One of the factors we consi
Nature speaks in curves. In waves, and rivers and clouds and the tiny tendril’s of a vine. We too can bend and change direction. And we must. #forourchildren #responsivedesign #protectpreserverestore
KIDS NEED NATURE The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) concludes that all types of nature contact are likely to support children's social and emotional wellbeing. Nature exposure reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and lowers psycho
Just a sweet little moment in an inner city courtyard. This native Xerochrysum bracteatum, also known by many other lovely names such as Paper Daisy and Golden Everlasting, brings a burst of colour and playfulness to any space. Thanks to Whipbird

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