Outdoor Learning & Environmental Education

Scotland’s Approach to Outdoor Learning

In Scotland, Outdoor Learning is a central theme in the Curriculum for Excellence. Outdoor Learning & Environmental Education in North East Scotland plays an important role in helping children connect with nature, develop practical skills and support learning across the curriculum.

There are many benefits to be gained from taking children outside in an educational setting:

• Knowledge and understanding of subjects like environmental studies, history and local culture, geography and applied maths
• Skills and experiences gained through outdoor adventure activities
• Development of language skills
• Learning to deal with risk
• Development of team work and co-operation
• Development of motor skills
• Increased self-esteem
• Developing problem-solving skills
• Engagement with the natural world and learning for sustainability

Information on the benefits to children and the experiences and outcomes that can be gained from teaching outdoors can be found in this document from Education Scotland; an excellent resource with links to many documents relating to Outdoor Learning is on the Creative STAR website.

Outdoor Education and Biodiversity

At NESBiP, our focus is on promoting and protecting our local biodiversity. Through Outdoor Learning & Environmental Education in North East Scotland, we aim to help schools and young people build a deeper understanding of the region’s unique habitats, species and the importance of conservation.

We are particularly keen to develop an awareness and understanding in the region’s schools and children of our local special habitats and nature and why we need to care for them. These aims fall within the overarching theme of Learning for Sustainability.  The GTCS and LfSS websites have lots of information on how to incorporate Learning for Sustainability in your school.

The 2016 State of Nature Report and the 2019 State of Nature Report revealed that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. It is vital that future generations learn the importance of caring for our local nature.

The need to educate children about the importance of biodiversity is outlined in both international agreements and national policies. The International Convention on Biological Diversity set a series of 20 targets for biodiversity, known as the Aichi Targets, environmental education and awareness is embedded in the first target. The Scottish Government also prioritises environmental education in its own biodiversity targets.

Photo by Aberdeenshire Council

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world so it is vital that future generations learn the importance of caring for our local nature.

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts” Rachel Carson