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We’re proud to announce that 90% of primary schools within the National Forest’s 200 square miles are now regularly taking part in outdoor learning experiences, showing how outdoor education is becoming integral to the way that students in the Forest are learning and benefiting from nature.
09 Oct 2024
Over the past 30 years, we have been working closely with schools to boost outdoor learning opportunities across the Forest. In the last seven years, thanks to focused efforts and strategic funding, the number of the National Forest's 90 primary schools regularly involved in outdoor learning has risen—from just 20% in 2016 to an impressive 90% in 2024.
This achievement marks a huge shift in how education is delivered in the region, with outdoor learning now a regular part of school life, bringing real benefits to the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of young people.
Despite challenges like curriculum demands, the need for teacher training, perceived risks, and limited access to greenspace, most primary schools in the Forest have made outdoor learning part of their everyday teaching. We have helped overcome these hurdles by supporting schools in creating or improving outdoor learning spaces on their grounds, or connecting them to nearby green areas.
Additionally, teachers have received the training and resources they need to confidently teach a wide range of subjects—literacy, numeracy, science, and environmental education, within an outdoor setting.
Gill Forester, Community and Wellbeing Manager at the National Forest, said: “We have supported the transformation of 90% of our schools in a relatively short period of time, proving that, through our five-point plan, schools can run sessions themselves and outdoor learning can become mainstream.
“Outdoor learning has moved from a novelty to a necessity. Our aim is to encourage a culture change in schools, and to give them the confidence that it is possible.”
Outdoor learning has never been more crucial, as children face growing physical and mental health challenges, worsened by high deprivation, the climate crisis, and the effects of COVID-19. By running outdoor sessions on-site, schools in the National Forest are reducing costs and risks, allowing all students to benefit from connecting with nature.
Schools involved have seen improvements in students' confidence, teamwork, communication, and mental health, especially among those who struggle in traditional classrooms. Burton Fields School is a prime example, offering weekly outdoor lessons across all year groups and witnessing transformative results in student confidence and resilience.
Our success has helped to transform local education, setting a strong example for outdoor learning. While only 42% of English primary schools offered outdoor learning in 2019, over 90% of schools in the Forest are now regularly engaged. This success highlights the potential for widespread adoption of outdoor education and serves as a model for other regions.
We’re now working towards 100% participation from primary schools, while also expanding outdoor learning into secondary schools and preschools. This progress ensures that outdoor learning becomes a key part of education for all students in the region.
We would like to thank the Audemars Piguet Foundation, the Morrisons Foundation, Leicester City in the Community, and all the partners who have played a crucial role in this journey so far.
If you’re feeling inspired by our latest achievement and want to get involved and help support outdoor learning in the National Forest, find out how you can support our work here.
Source: The 42% comparison provided is from Recognition and reporting of outdoor learning in primary schools in England (Prince and Diggory, 2023). This states 42% of English primary schools had some form of outdoor learning provision in 2019.
