How natural play impacts kids' immune systems, with Marja Roslund episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 32 MIN

How natural play impacts kids' immune systems, with Marja Roslund

from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast · host Immediate Media

Two-year study reveals the startling impact that playing in nature has on children's immune systems, and their likelihood of developing allergies and diseases such as asthma and diabetes. Researcher Marja Roslund talks about the dramatic changes they measured in children's ability to fight off illnesses and the reduction in harmful bacteria found in their gut, after they rewilded the children's daycare centres, bringing in soil, plants and even a section of forest floor. She also explains the causal link between the explosion in allergies and conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and the changes we can make to make a difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 12, 2026

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How natural play impacts kids' immune systems, with Marja Roslund

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