The ethos of the Norwegian nature nursery mirrors that of a nation keenly engaged in the outdoors life. Amongst modern industrialised countries, Norway is something of an anomaly in this respect, leading to its dominance in winter sports, building on a tradition of polar exploration.
The Vestmarka naturbarnehage in suburban Trondheim is typical of a growing network of nature nurseries in Norway. Parents who choose this type of provision value the more active, less prescriptive approach on offer where most activities, whatever the weather, take place outside.