11 - We want to use greenspace for outdoor learning…

For a quick summary on why outdoor play and learning is so important read the National Position Statement on Outdoor Play and Learning. This has been signed by more than 50 organisations (including greenspace scotland).

There are lots of resources and practical support for outdoor learning in greenspaces:

Learning through Landscapes Scotland

LtL Scotland work with educators and teachers to promote, support, and train educators; and to develop outdoor learning. They have a range of online resources and outdoor lesson ideas to download. The Local School Nature Grants Programme provides a free outdoor learning training session and £500 worth of outdoor resources. Learning in Local Greenspace is a fully funded programme open to schools with a catchment within the 20% most disadvantaged areas of Scotland, offering long-term staff training on leading lessons outdoors, resources and more.

Learning in Local Greenspace - NatureScot 

Learning in Local Greenspace provides a suite of resources building on schools' experiences of taking learning beyond the school gate. There are five documents to download:
*Beyond your boundary - easy steps to learning in local greenspace
*Professional learning - 6 steps to using local greenspace for outdoor learning
*greenspace audit
*Questionnaire to inform action
*Action Plan template 

UPDATE: Published in summer 2020, the Greenspace Map for Outdoor Learning is an interactive web mapping tool to help you find local greenspaces that may provide outdoor learning opportunities.

Outdoor and Woodland Learning Scotland

OWL Scotland supports Forest Schools and Forest Kindergarten, with training and events, online resources, advice, networking and a directory of local OWL groups. There is support for starting a group and some funding available.  

Royal Horticultural Society

The RHS run a Campaign for School Gardening with resources, training and 5 levels of Schools Awards

The John Muir Award

The John Muir Trust runs the John Muir Award - an environmental programme designed to be of interest to all - groups, families, individuals; schools. Four challenges lie at the heart of the award: discover a wild place, explore it, conserve it, share your experiences. Check out case studies (schools & colleges, individuals & families, youth sector, adult groups) and resources.

Play Scotland

Play Scotland support the development and promotion of children and young people’s play in Scotland. They provide Outdoor Play and Learning resources for parents, providers, the play workforce and policy makers, to promote quality accessible free play. 

The Playful Pedagogy Resources aim to support everyday learning adventures across the school by integrating children’s play experiences with curricular learning.

Also check out Outdoor Classroom Day  

Outdoor Learning: The Extended Classroom

In 2014, Architecture & Design Scotland led a project looking at opportunities and ways to plan for learning. This included case studies across Scotland where schools had embraced outdoor learning opportunities beyond the school wall. The school case studies are: Kirkcudbright Academy, Tain Royal Academy, Perth Academy, Hillpark Secondary School, Speyside High School, Liberton High School and Gairloch High School. There is a short video, case studies and pamphlet. 

Learning and Teaching Scotland

Curriculum for Excellence through Outdoor Learning 2010

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