This study confirms the profound and transformative impact that residential experiences can have on pupils. Findings also conclude that this impact is significantly greater for ‘vulnerable’ pupils

A survey called Bringing Children Closer to Nature ran in 2019 and was the first national online survey of Forest School and outdoor learning amongst educators and woodland owners. The report published in July 2019 provides much-needed evidence about the barriers and opportunities to establishing and sustaining Forest Schools in particular, also a snapshot of outdoor learning activities in schools, and lastly recommendations for taking action to bring more children closer to nature.

Scottish Natural Heritage has a remit for people’s enjoyment and understanding of the natural heritage as well as the care of it. The potential for the educational use of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) (and similar ‘wild’ places for nature) is not well understood. This research was designed to enable practicing teachers from primary and secondary schools to collaboratively explore how National Nature Reserves could be used to provide for learning across a range of subject areas.

The relationship between child health, wellbeing and education demonstrates that healthier and happier children achieve higher educational attainment. An engaging curriculum that facilitates children in achieving their academic potential has strong implications for educational outcomes, future employment prospects, and health and wellbeing during adulthood. Outdoor learning is a pedagogical approach used to enrich learning, enhance school engagement and improve pupil health and wellbeing.

Outdoor education continues to play an important role in helping to deliver the school curriculum. Recent UK government initiatives have encouraged schools to deliver more of the curriculum outside the classroom. However, teacher confidence in taking pupils outside has been negatively affected by many factors in recent years.