Outdoor Learning
Whether at one of our Outdoor Learning sites, in a public green space, or on school grounds, we believe in realising more with the outdoors.
We know that Outdoor Learning supports personal growth, learning engagement and a sense of belonging in children and young people. We work with schools and organisations that support children and young people to help sow these seeds throughout childhood and beyond.
Why is Outdoor Learning important to us?
The land is for all of us. But not everyone is starting from the same place on their journey, so we want to make it as accessible and inclusive as possible for everyone to explore the outdoors. Our work aims to identify and reduce or remove barriers, and build ecosystems of support around young people, their schools and communities. Through long-term support we believe we can make an even greater impact and help cultivate a truly life-long love of learning.
Outdoor Learning
Through Outdoor Learning, we help to nurture an appreciation and respect for the environment, alongside engagement with learning, and social and wellbeing benefits. We aim to grow long-term relationships with schools and organisations, helping Outdoor Learning take root in their curriculum and community.
Our support is thoughtfully designed for each group, based on conversations with staff and an understanding of the needs of their children and young people.
We have three offers:
On our land. Enriching Education
Using our land – woodlands, farms, rivers and other natural landscapes – to deliver activities and experiences that develop children and young people’s engagement with, knowledge and understanding of, targeted areas of curricular learning. Opportunities will vary across our estates according to the affordances of the place and the needs of the learners but will always be led by one of our experienced Outdoor Learning Leaders.
Enriching Education is currently available in Gloucestershire, Dorset, Cumbria and Lancashire, and we welcome day or half-day visit applications from schools and groups in these counties and adjacent areas.
On our land. Thriving Outdoors
Outdoor Learning delivery targeting social, emotional and wellbeing development for children facing challenge and supported by their school or external organisation.
We work therapeutically but do not deliver therapy. However, supported time outdoors can empower children and young people with some simple but effective tools to cope with challenge – as well as giving them time and space where they can feel safe and accepted.
Support through Thriving Outdoors is often presented as a multi-session programme and the affordances of the place of delivery will shape the detail of the programme structure and activities.
Thriving Outdoors is currently available in Gloucestershire and Cumbria, and we welcome applications from schools and organisations in these counties and adjacent areas.
On your land. Foundations for Outdoor Learning
Increasing opportunities for children to experience regular Outdoor Learning by supporting schools to integrate this into their curriculum and practice.
Foundations for Outdoor Learning is a comprehensive, long-term support package for schools wanting to embed Outdoor Learning and includes an action plan, mentoring, staff training, and advice on how to make the most of your school grounds. It can also include supported visits to local green spaces and our own Outdoor Learning sites.
This programme requires engagement from a school’s leadership team in order to embed the change, and will be a whole-school project.
Foundations for Outdoor Learning is currently available to Primary and SEND Schools in Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Yeovil and Lancashire.
Other Outdoor Learning opportunities
Learning on and from the land looks different for all of us – so if our Outdoor Learning programmes aren’t right for you, see if one of our other opportunities could help.
Grants and funding
From multi-year schemes to support Outdoor Learning Leaders, to smaller amounts that get everyone a pair of wellies and a waterproof, you might find the support you need from one of our grants.
The OWL Collaboration
One of our most impactful programmes, the change that can be seen in a few days of immersive Outdoor Learning is extraordinary. Read more about the stories coming out of The OWL Collaboration.
Farm-based learning
There are many ways to experience learning on one our tenanted, or in-house farms. From week-long residential visits, day visits, or apprenticeships and traineeships – all offer a range of learning experiences for children and young people that can be transformational.
Outdoor Learning in Lancashire
We have strong partnerships with many organisations across Lancashire, working in collaboration on projects that enable children and young people to experience Outdoor Learning through a range of activities. From farm visits to tree planting, activities in urban green spaces and beyond.
This is such as calm place. I love it. I want to come every day.
Child on a Thriving Outdoors woodland session