Outdoor learning sessions for 8 urban schools help young people connect with nature and inspire them to take positive action in response to climate issues.
Green Schools Project helps schools transform the way they respond to the climate and nature crisis, of which their Zero Carbon Schools programme holds a vital role in supporting them deliver pupil sessions during curriculum time, teacher training and involvment of the local community. One key part of their Zero Carbon Schools programme is bringing pupils outdoors to explore the natural spaces around them.
Cathy Wentworth is their Development and communications officer and she got in touch with the Alpkit Foundation looking for support towards delivering sessions in urban schools.
"Through connecting with nature, we can help build a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world - inspiring young people to take positive action in response to the climate and nature crisis. Delivering outdoor learning sessions as part of our Zero Carbon Schools programme, gives pupils this opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy and explore the natural spaces around them."
From the work that they are doing, they firmly believe it's powerful in transforming the way schools and young people respond to climate change, with experiences and a connection to nature being a key part.
"115 schools and 4,677 pupils across the UK took part in our Zero Carbon Schools programme last year. Within this, over 300 outdoor learning sessions were enjoyed by over 4,000 young people. We're really proud of what was achieved over the last academic year with 95% of teachers agreeing that their pupils feel more positive about their role in tackling climate change as a result of Zero Carbon Schools, which also influenced the schools response to climate change."
Their outdoor learning sessions have consistently had good feedback from pupils and teachers taking part and so we were delighted to be able to fund 8 of these outdoor sessions at schools in urbanised and deprived areas - enabling young people to discover and enjoy the green spaces around them.
"The sessions involved an average of 40 pupils, which menat that 320 young people in 8 of our Zero Carbon Schools took part in our 'Nature Photographers' session, which encourages them to explore, notice and appreciate the beauty of nature around them. Many of our schools are in urban areas and a high proportion are within areas of Multiple Deprivation. These outdoor sessions allow pupils to enjoy natural and green spaces that they may not have regular access to at home. A quote from a Year 5 pupil taking part last year shows how much these sessions are valued and enjoyed: "The outdoor session was my favourite... I understand more about nature and I feel more connected to it."
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