Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment, helping to protect England’s nature and landscape for people to enjoy.
Click this link to read the importance of integrating time spent in nature at school.
Education
The BNA encourages the Young Nats (YNs) with projects to take part in each year. And has an active student WhatsApp group for blogs, sightings and identification of species.
With the Growing Schools programme encouraging teachers from all schools to use the outdoor classroom, both within and beyond the school grounds, there is a huge emphasis on taking learning outdoors. According to the 2006 DfES in their ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ manifesto, “Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.” Hands-on experiences are crucial for all children and the use of school grounds, local areas and educational visits to places such as nature reserves should be encouraged.
The Department for Education leads the way with the new GCSE course in Natural History currently being finalised. It is is intended to give all students – wherever they live – the time, skills, and knowledge to appreciate nature, as well as develop important practical skills in data analysis and observation. It is designed so it can be delivered as effectively in city centres as it can in the countryside. Students will develop a rigorous understanding of the natural world: from their own local wildlife, environment and ecosystem to critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity and sustainability.
