CYP Now - Embrace nature to transform children’s experience of learning

Imagine you are out in the fresh air, with the sun filtering through the trees. Looking around you notice tiny creatures in the grass, enjoy the sounds of birds calling, and you see the sky stretching out in front.

Craig Bennett: "Outdoor learning can offer solutions to the multiple challenges that children and young people are facing.” Picture: Richard Jinman

You wallow in nature and feel a sense of happiness permeating you, your breathing slows, and you feel joy and at peace.

These are a few of the vivid images used by some of the children and young people that we engage in outdoor learning activities every day across the UK, describing the effect that spending time outdoors has on them. Imagine if this was their school experience every day.

Through The Wildlife Trusts’ decades of experience, we have seen the many benefits that come from outdoor learning and contact with nature. The evidence is stronger than ever. Recent University College London research commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts revealed that children’s wellbeing increased after they had spent time connecting with nature. The children also showed an increase in pro-environmental values and demonstrated high levels of enjoyment. This echoes a four-year research project by Natural England.

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