Local Opportunities for Outdoor Learning

Environmental Education in North East Scotland

In the LBAP area, which includes Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray there are various organisations and individuals who can deliver environmental education sessions, or who can help you with training and cpd to develop your skills and experience in the sector.

There are several Ranger Services which can deliver environmental education in various locations across the region:

Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service, Aberdeen City Council Ranger Service, Duthie Park Ranger Service and Moray Council Ranger Service are the relevant local authority ranger services for the area, they can be contacted through the links.

Glen Tanar Ranger Service, and Balmoral Ranger Service  can deliver environmental education on their respective estates. The North East Ranger Service is based at Crathes Castle and can provide environmental education across the National Trust for Scotland properties in the area.

The National Nature Reserves at St. Cyrus, Forvie, Muir of Dinnet, and Mar Lodge are great places to learn about our special wildlife, geology and habitats, contact the reserves to arrange an educational visit.

The River Dee Trust and the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust can provide education sessions on various aspects of freshwater biology and invasive species control.

There are a number of organisations in the area who can offer support for environmental education through training courses and cpd. Wild Things and NESOLG both run accredited qualifications and skills development opportunities in aspects of Outdoor Learning, visit their websites to find more information. In addition to running an outdoor nursery, Earthtime also deliver cpd and skills development seasons for early years staff.  Creative Star Learning have been providing outdoor learning opportunities since 2007 in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire and have developed training, advice and guidance used both locally and nationally.

The North East of Scotland is covered by two Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland groups; Moray OWLS and North East OWLS are both very active groups and can help with support, networking and skills development in Outdoor Learning and Forest Schools.

In the Aberdeen City area RSPB can visit schools to deliver nature connection activities.

The Aberdeen Biodiversity Centre can arrange school group visits to the Cruickshank Botanic Gardens and the Zoology Museum at the University of Aberdeen.  They can also provide CPD for teachers who wish to lead their own visits.

There are a number of freelance environmental education practitioners in the area who can deliver a variety of different nature-themed activities, support and training.  These include Dan Puplett Nature Awareness, Mud Pie Adventures, Creative Star Learning and Leafy Trails Forest School.  Look at their individual websites to find out more information.

High School pupils on a Snapberry photography workshop ©Lorne Gill/NatureScot

There are a number of organisations in the area who can offer support for environmental education through training courses and cpd