Many children these days have little chance to experience nature. Their lives are spent holed up in classrooms or seated in the backseats of cars on their way from one scheduled activity to the next.

In Germany, however, a growing number of parents and educators are making the connection between early childhood learning and the outdoors. The growth of so-called "Forest Kindergartens," where children play entirely outside, rain or shine, is helping develop their bodies and brains as well as creating a lasting appreciation of nature.

Living Planet visits one such kindergarten in Osnabrück in the German state of Lower Saxony.

Reporter: Alison Hawkes