Project gives 40,000 pupils the opportunity to learn outdoors

40,000 primary and secondary school pupils have been given the chance to learn outside the classroom thanks to the Natural Connections Demonstration Project.

The four year initiative has supported children from 125 schools across the South West of England to experience the benefits of the natural environment by empowering teachers to use the outdoors to support everyday learning.

The project, which was funded by Natural England, Defra and Historic England and delivered by Plymouth University, had a particular focus on pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

92 per cent of teachers surveyed said that pupils were more engaged with learning when outdoors and 85 per cent saw a positive impact on their behaviour.

It also had a positive impact on teachers’ work-life, with 79 per cent of teachers reporting positive impacts on their teaching practice, almost 70 per cent of teachers saying that outdoor learning has had a positive impact on their job satisfaction and 72 per cent reporting improved health and wellbeing.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said: “We learn to love nature as children, and our commitment to nature later in life – respecting it, protecting it, restoring it, or simply enjoying it – is built on that childhood foundation. That’s why it’s so important we give all children the chance to experience the natural world.”

Natural England’s Chairman, Andrew Sells, said: “The Natural Connections Project has empowered teachers to make the most of what’s right on their doorstep and helped children experience the joy of the natural environment. It’s brought a real culture change into schools, making learning in the outdoors a regular part of school life – and it’s inspiring to see children more engaged with learning and happier and healthier as a result.”