As a supporter of Countryside Classroom Natural England have long been involved in making the
case for the importance of time outside in nature for children. Across government, we share an
aspiration to create healthy, happy societies. One way to do this is to support the connection people
have with nature, which provides better mental and physical health. For children, the effects are
more profound, with a wealth of evidence showing those who spend time outside connecting with
nature see improvements in school attendance, behaviours, academic achievement, and social skills
like teamwork.

We have been delighted to provide evidence and support to Department for Education as they begin
to implement their Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy.

A key component of the strategy is the National Education Nature Park which was launched on the
4th October 2023. Led by the Natural History Museum with the Royal Horticultural Society and
others, this aims to improve the biodiversity value of the education estate (which totals around
120,000 acres) in ways that allow young people to be an active part of enhancing their school site
for nature. They will map habitats on their sites, identify opportunities for improvement and create
and action a plan to make these changes, which could range from installing a green wall to building a
rain garden. They will monitor biodiversity over time, and data collected will contribute to a
nationwide database visualised on an online interactive map, so that young people can see the
difference they are making together across the country. As well as contribution to nature recovery,
the programme develops young people’s green and digital skills for their futures and deepens their
connection to nature which has been evidenced to improve wellbeing. 

Utilising NE GI mapping data and DLUCH levelling-up fund prioritisation, £15million pounds will be
made available to the 1205 schools deemed to be in greatest need to enable them to invest in
capital works alongside targeted bespoke support from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Whilst Natural England recognise that one scheme, approach, resource or training provider, is
unlikely to suit every school setting the National Education Nature Park represents a huge step
forward in mainstreaming environmental education and time in nature as part of children’s school
experience.

We are hopeful that the Nature Park will act as a catalyst, increasing attention on the opportunities
the school estate provides for biodiversity, for increasing children’s environmental awareness and
setting expectation that children should have opportunities for time outside the classroom. Growth
in the sector can only mean positive things for providers of high-quality experiences, training,
resource providers and fundamentally children themselves.

 Learn more about the National Education Nature Park here: Home | Education Nature Park
 
 For more information about Natural England’s work to support children and young people,
please contact: Kate Whitehead ([email protected])