Pupils enjoy dipping into nature lessons

Nature Friendly Schools gives children opportunities to learn outside the classroom, while supporting their well-being and mental health.

Kim Leathy, teacher at Westminster Academy in Blackpool said: “Nature Friendly Schools has been so beneficial for our pupils and our school.

“Many children come into school with different anxieties, but when they’re learning outside, they are present in the moment, and their worries just seem to fade away.

“Being outdoors also works wonders for their creativity and enthusiasm for learning – and improves behaviour as well.

The project, funded by Defra and the Department for Education - and supported by Natural England, aims to work with more than 100 schools.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Learning in nature boosts children’s well-being, confidence, and behaviour, and should be a fundamental part of a child’s

experience in education.

“We’re delighted at the success of the project so far.

“We know that children in deprived areas are much less likely to have contact with nature while the pandemic also increased screen-based learning.

“The new phase of Nature Friendly Schools is more important than ever for them.”

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