One outdoor lesson a week will brighten pupils’ future

LEARNING outdoors for just one lesson a week boosts learning and behaviour in primary school children, researchers have said.

The study, commissioned by the Wildlife Trusts and carried out by the Institute of Education at UCL, is one of the largest into the effects of outdoor activities on children’s well-being and views about nature.

The research found that children’s well-being increased after they had spent time connecting with nature and that they gained educational benefits as well as a boost to their wider personal and social skills.

As a result, the Wildlife Trusts are calling on the government to make it compulsory that at least one hour per school day is spent learning outdoors.

Eighty-one per cent of children in the study reported having better relationships with their teachers after learning outside, 79 per cent said they had better relationships with their classmates and 79 per cent said the experience helped with their school work.

The outdoor activities involved children learning about nature, such as identifying plants and trees, reflecting on its important role in human lives and considering the needs of wildlife.

Nigel Doar, the Wildlife Trusts’ director of strategy, said: “Contact with the wild improves children’s wellbeing, motivation and confidence.

“We’re calling on government to ensure that at least one hour per school day is spent outdoors learning and playing in wild places.”