Over the last few years the importance of giving children learning opportunities outside has become increasingly highlighted. There is a post on this blog made in July that refers to this aspect of learning. In Northamptonshire there are a number of places and organisations seeking to provide learning that focuses on being outside.

The blog for Children and Nature Network Northampton shares activities and ideas – you can follow and subscribe to this blog to receive regular updates of ideas and share your own ideas and photographs.

Eco Kids also organise and promote opportunities for learning – the Abington Park Outdoor Classroom Project has been developing a wide range of activities for families and schools such as a Wild Food Survey, tree identification trails using QR codes, nature workshops for children and supporting resources to use. You can explore their website for other information, projects and resources based around the environment and nature.

Delapre Abbey is another great Northampton location where the outdoors is used to learn and play. You can explore the various activities offered here – Friends of Delapre Abbey

Further afield Newton Field Centre is often used for visits to explore science, geography, art and other areas of the school curriculum as well as a base for family learning and other activities. The website for  Newton Field Centre gives you contact details and other information.

Finally you may be aware of the recent report published by the RSPB ‘State of Nature’ that explored the significance of the education of children and young people for the future of conservation and nature.

Many of you will be visiting outdoor locations and participating or leading activities and events with your schools and families – my examples are from Northamptonshire but you will be aware of places around Leciester and MK. Let me know about these places and events so I can share them with the group.