Happy
By Nature – Outdoor Inspiration
We know that regular time in nature enhances learning, supports mental and physical health, and nurtures emotional wellbeing. But access to nature isn’t equal and we’re working to change that.
We’re supporting schools in two key ways:
We have teamed up with ‘Learning through Landscapes’ the outdoor learning and play charity to help all schools to make improvements to their outdoor spaces. We're doing this in two ways:
- Free nature and play toolkits for all schools packed with ideas and guidance to help improve outdoor spaces for nature, play, and learning – regardless of size, location, or budget.
- Happy By Nature Fund offering a new grant and advice to support schools transform their outdoor spaces.
Happy By Nature Fund
We are offering 10 schools a grant of £10,000, plus expert support from Learning through Landscapes (LtL) to transform their outdoor spaces – whether that’s greening a playground, creating a nature zone, or enhancing outdoor learning areas.
Schools selected to receive the grants will be:
- State-funded Primary, Infant or Junior Schools in the UK.
- Identify as having a current lack of quality green outdoor space.
- Demonstrate strong senior leadership support for the project.
- Whole-school commitment to pupil involvement in the project
Applications for the Happy By Nature Fund are open now and close on the 9th November. For full details of the criteria and to apply click the link below.
Toolkits
Introduction to nature and play
From Grey to Green: A Blueprint for a Better Playground
Taking nature-based play home
Why children need nature
- Regular access to nature has been shown to have a calming and restorative effect that helps to improve mental wellbeing, but also improves educational outcomes.
- When children access natural spaces, they are usually physically active. This helps to develop physical competencies such as jumping and balancing.
- Natural spaces are almost always great open-ended play spaces, offering all the benefits of play too.
In October 2024 WWF published it’s Schools For Nature Report which surveyed 2,000 schools across the UK to understand how pupils were accessing nature at school, whilst also identifying barriers that educators face. Find out more here
Get Your FREE Classroom Pack
Get Your FREE Classroom Pack
Bring nature into your classroom with a free pack of engaging primary resources to support learning and track progress. Includes a vibrant poster, pupil passports, stickers, and panda pawprint stamps.
