Outdoor Learning

Our vision

We believe that everyone should have access to wild spaces and wildlife in their daily life.

Our vision is that people of all ages and backgrounds have knowledge of and an appreciation for the natural world. This is central to our approach to education. Through connecting people to the natural world, we can improve mental and physical wellbeing, alongside safeguarding the environment for the future. Through experiencing nature, people become more likely to take care of it.

What are we doing to achieve it?

Wildlings

Wildlings is our outdoor toddler group, through which we encourage new parents to get outside with their little ones, do some bug hunting, enjoy the mud kitchen, and meet other parents and toddlers.

We love introducing nature to our little wildlings so that they may grow up taking care of it as we would like to.

My children are happiest and healthiest outside so take in the most information. They have a great understanding of their environment and I think every child deserves that

Parent, Prope

Schools

At Shropshire Wildlife Trust we offer a range of sessions for primary school children at locations including The Ercall in Telford and Wood Lane in Ellesmere. We plan the whole visit for the school and provide everything needed, from resources to equipment and risk assessments, to ensure that there are as few barriers as possible in schools accessing high quality outdoor learning.

We also run afterschool clubs at primary schools to get the children engaged with nature and teach them about local wildlife, and to make sure that they're getting plenty of time to let off steam outside.

As a teacher, anything that connects students to the natural world is good for their mental and physical health, and helps to ensure that flora and fauna is preserved by and for future generations

Teacher
Groundwork London

Green Influencers

The Green Influencers Scheme was formed to help secondary school aged young people realise their potential to positively impact the environment through youth social action. Our Green Influencers learn new skills and gain experience and confidence. Their projects benefit communities while helping them create lasting and meaningful connections with the natural environment.

At Shropshire Wildlife Trust we have recruited our Green Mentor to help create, support and oversee groups of Green Influencers within their community. In this role, our Green Mentor has worked with schools and youth groups on projects such as wildflower meadows, pond restoration and community fundraisers.

As a horticulturist and youth worker I know the benefits that the outside classroom has to many pupils. It provides incredible therapy and a unique learning experience for many.

Youth Worker
Belfast Hills Partnership

Youth for the Wild

Our Youth for the Wild forum aims to give young people, aged between 14 and 30 the skills and experience to find employment in the conservation sector. We also run monthly work parties for the same age group, known as Make My Weekends Wild, so that participants can gain valuable practical experience through volunteering.

Through these events, those who attend can develop the confidence and resilience to become environmental leaders and influence decisions at local and national levels.

For more information on our work with young people, please use the links below.