Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Nature Education in Austria: Evaluation of Organization, Infrastructure, Risk Assessment, and Legal Frameworks of Forest and Nature Childcare Groups

Elisabeth Quendler (), Dominik Mühlberger, Bernhard Spangl, Daniel Ennöckl and Alina Branco
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Elisabeth Quendler: Department of Agricultural Sciences, BOKU University, Peter Jordan Straße 85, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Dominik Mühlberger: Special Unit Forest, Society & International Relations, Austrian Research Centre for Forests, 1131 Vienna, Austria
Bernhard Spangl: Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources, BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82/I, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Daniel Ennöckl: Department of Economics and Social Sciences, BOKU University, Peter-Jordan-Straße 82/I, 1190 Vienna, Austria
Alina Branco: Department of Agricultural Sciences, BOKU University, Peter Jordan Straße 85, 1190 Vienna, Austria

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-15

Abstract: Early childhood forest and nature education plays a vital role in shaping values and promoting sustainability throughout life. Conceptualized in Denmark, forest and nature childcare groups have been established in Austria for over 20 years, contributing to mental well-being and supporting both Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). With increasing demand for childcare and a growing disconnect from nature—factors linked to physical and mental health challenges—there is a pressing need to expand these groups and integrate them into formal legal frameworks. This study examines the organization, staffing, infrastructure, risk prevention, and hygiene of 79 Austrian forest and nature kindergarten groups, identifying key areas of improvement to ensure safe access for all children, including those in public childcare. A semi-standardized online survey of 72 groups was analyzed using descriptive and statistical methods, including a Spearman correlation, Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi-square test, and ANOVA. Results revealed three main infrastructure types—house, container/trailer, and tipi—with houses offering the most comprehensive facilities. The ANOVA indicated significant effects of sponsorship type ( p < 0.01), caregiver numbers ( p < 0.001), and their interaction ( p < 0.05) on half-day care costs. Currently, legal frameworks exist only in Tyrol and Salzburg. Broader access requires standardized infrastructure and risk assessment guidelines, collaboratively developed with stakeholders, to ensure safety and inclusivity in Austrian forest and nature childcare groups.

Keywords: forest; nature; kindergarten; childcare; risks; prevention; sustainability; ESD; ECEC; Austria (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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