One year on, the Department for Education’s National Education Nature Park programme is celebrating its achievements through the publication of its annual report. NENP is a key part of the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and is led by the Natural History Museum with the Royal Horticultural Society and others. Five years of funding has been committed to support the programme.

The NENP offers young people exciting opportunities to have an active part in enhancing their school site for biodiversity, as well as learning about and within their school’s natural environments. The programme also encourages the development of green skills and pro-environmental thinking. 

The NENP has five aims:

1. Fostering a connection to nature and improving wellbeing
2. Developing green and digital skills
3. Involving all children and young people
4. Putting climate and nature at the heart of the curriculum
5. Biodiversity gain across the educational estate

The report reflects on the achievements of the first year of the NENP programme.
The main findings include:

• Over 3,000 schools, nurseries and colleges have registered and undertaken the first step on the path to greening their schools grounds.
• Over 2 million metres 2 of habitat has been mapped through NENP. This includes 940 trees, 157 plants in pots, 92 bird boxes, 74 log piles, 64 insect hotels.
• The number of pollinating insects went up by 109% and species richness (the number of different pollinator species) increased on average by 46% as a result of introducing more flowers to urban schools.
• 1 in 8 eligible schools and colleges are now registered
• £5 million has been awarded to more than 500 eligible settings who are deemed to be in greatest need.
• Nearly 6000 wildlife observations have been made through the programme’s
• Hidden Nature Challenge. This activity is all about taking first steps to nature connection and building confidence in outdoor learning. Learners develop digital and data skills and reflect on how they feel spending time in nature.
• Images submitted by children and young people are to be displayed at RHS gardens or the Natural History Museum.
• More than 45% of registered settings have interacted with NENP’s digital tools.
• High levels of enjoyment were reported from those involved in the NENP programme.

The NENP complements existing nature programmes and supports teachers through the published units of learning as well as standalone resources which support the delivery of the curriculum. It is also a real opportunity for nature-based organisations to support school’s further through sharing their time, expertise and resources.

Looking ahead, the NENP will continue to host many valuable resources and events.

Another round of grant funding is available for the 2024/2025 academic year for eligible settings. Regional support will increase from seven to nine regions , along with networking opportunities for educators, more webinars and case studies. A great success for the NENP one year on.

Learn more about the National Education Nature Park here:  Annual Report2023/2024 | Education Nature Park

For more information about Natural England’s work to support children and young
people, please contact: Kate Whitehead
([email protected])