Anyone help me with books/resources on natural/montessori/steiner education?

[Helium]

It's a subject that really interests me and I want to find out more and do some research. Can anyone recommend any books to read on these subjects?
I'm also interested in linking play with the natural environment/ any info on natural type play areas (rather than those metal monstrosoties)...
Can anyone help me??
Thanks

Can't suggest anything, but very interested in watching what you find out.

you are your childs first teacher is quite interesting.
It gave me lots of ideas but actually put me off steiner after reading a lot of the background. The reasoning doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but the methods of learning etc seem interesting and actively encourage a lot of imaginitive play with my kids since reading this (although TBH they don't need much encouraging, they don't seem to be on this planet most of the time).

also what about nature's playground. i haven't read it though so can't comment.

What Barking says

this is quite interesting
and this
teachers discussing aspects here

Howard Gardener's The Disciplined Mind and Jane Healy's Your Child's Growing Mind

Also, Last Child in The Woods

i have a book on steiner education that you can have for postage cost if you like

isenhart7- Last Child in the Woods looks a brilliant book. Thanks!

Barking- I've just been reading the Forest Schools link you posted- I really love the idea, tho' I suppose you don't always need a structured learning enviroment for kids to make dens in the woods!
I remeber reading about the Woodland Nursery too. When our fist dc's went to nursery in London, even tho' it was inner city, it happened to have a large garden, and a very forward thinking head; the children had the opportunity to play outside evry day of the year- actively encouraged- rain, snow ice. A huge tree ofered some sort of protection, there were tadpoles and frogs, and a few things to play with.
These kids were also encouraged to be highly creative- completyely child lead- they were given materials and left to get on with doing whatever they wanted. The unusual thing here, for a state run inner city nursery, was that 3 year olds were trusted with hammer, nails, screw drivers; closely watched, but given the trust that they would use it safely.
I really miss that school. The woman running it was amazing.

Thankyou so much everyone!