The National Forest says that 90 per cent of primary schools within the Forest's 200 square miles are regularly undertaking regular outdoor learning experiences - a huge rise over the past eight years.

Over the past 30 years, the National Forest - centred on Moira, near Ashby - has been actively working with schools to increase outdoor learning provision in its 200 square miles of the Midlands. 

It says that 'concerted efforts and strategic funding' in the last seven years has meant the percentage of the 90 National Forest primary schools regularly undertaking outdoor learning has risen dramatically – from 20 per cent in 2016 to 90 per cent in 2024. 

The National Forest adds this milestone represents a transformative shift in how education is delivered across the region, bringing substantial benefits to the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of young people.

Despite challenges such as curriculum pressures and barriers such as teacher training needs, perceived risks and limited access to greenspace, outdoor learning is now integrated into the everyday teaching of most primary schools in the Forest area.

The National Forest says it has addressed these barriers by helping schools create and improve outdoor learning spaces within their grounds or connect them with nearby greenspace.

Additionally, it adds teachers have been provided with the necessary support and training empowering them to confidently deliver lessons across a range of subjects—literacy, numeracy, science, and environmental education—within an outdoor setting. 

Gill Forrester, community and wellbeing manager at the National Forest Company, said: "We've supported the transformation of 90 per cent of our schools in a relatively short period of time, proving that, through our five-point plan, schools can run sessions themselves and outdoor learning can become mainstream.

advertisement

"Outdoor learning has moved from a novelty to a necessity. Our aim is to encourage a culture change in schools, and to give them the confidence that it is possible. 

"Training teachers, creating outdoor learning areas, and building their confidence has allowed this change to happen sustainably. 

"Schools were eager to embrace this approach, and we're thrilled to see how it has positively impacted students."

The National Forest says the importance of outdoor learning has never been greater - with children and young people facing some of the most pressing physical and mental health challenges, exacerbated by high deprivation, the ongoing climate crisis, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It adds that outdoor learning offers a powerful remedy, with its positive impacts being well-documented. Having schools run sessions themselves and on-site reduces risks and cost, meaning that young people from all backgrounds across the National Forest can now benefit from a greater connection to nature. 

Schools participating in the National Forest outdoor learning initiative have reported significant improvements in students' confidence, communication, teamwork, and mental health. 

These benefits are particularly evident among children who struggle in traditional classroom settings or are from more disadvantaged areas.

Becky Wilkinson, Learning and Outreach Manager from the Forest Education Network England, said: "Children thrive when they learn through real-life experiences, engaging all their senses through movement and exploration. 

advertisement

"Outdoor learning is not just beneficial—it's essential for every child's development."