Overview

This three year research project seeks to uncover new ways of valuing outdoor education, and will identify the potential for these specific learning experiences to purposefully enhance proenvironmental behaviours in young people.

A theory of change, quite simply, is the thinking (theory) behind the change your programme or service wants to achieve. It makes very clear the rationale which your work is based upon. It’s also been called a ‘roadmap’ for all to see and understand and, in this sense, needs to be logical.

IOL is delighted to be part of a Research Team who have just been awarded funding from the MARCH Network to assist in this research project. The MARCH Network is one of 8 national networks funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the 2018 Cross-Council Mental Health Plus call to further research into mental health.

Chris Loynes

University of Cumbria

I find that metaphors from the outdoors help me when I am attempting to conceptualise understanding of Outdoor Learning, in this case residential outdoor learning.

A growing body of evidence points to the positive impacts of nature for people. Yet, while evidence is growing rapidly, this is prompting new questions about the essential ingredients of a positive and sustainable relationship with nature for individuals.