Outdoor Learning Resources
Bring lessons to life!
Below you’ll find an extensive library of the best online teaching resources, activities, and support materials for all subjects, including outdoor education, nature, the environment, and children’s health.
Countryside Classroom
Led by Farming and Countryside Education (FACE), the Countryside Classroom is the largest ever partnership of organisations committed to helping children learn about food, farming and the natural environment. Learn more
The Country Trust
The Country Trust is a national educational charity dedicated to bringing alive the working countryside for children least able to access it. Learn more
Learning Through Landscapes
The website is for anyone who has a passion for creating stimulating outdoor learning and play experiences for children and young people. Learn more
The Growing Schools Garden
This website aims to support teachers and practitioners in using the ‘outdoor classroom’ as a resource across the curriculum for pupils of all ages. Learn more
Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
The national voice for learning outside the classroom. They believe that every young person (0-19yrs) should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances. This website offers a large range of resources developed with the support of many experts in the field learning outside the classroom. Learn more
Groundwork and Schools
They provide practical support to teaching and support staff by bringing interest and expertise into the classroom while providing a range of opportunities for pupils to engage in projects and activities outside the school gates, embedding learning in community settings and harnessing the educational benefits of the natural world. Learn more
The Association for Science Education (ASE)
The largest subject association in the UK. As the professional body for all those involved in science education from pre-school to higher education. Learn more
The Primary Science Teaching Trust
The website reports on exciting developments, provides resources for Continuing Professional Development, and offers a growing range of lesson and planning resources. Learn more
Nature and wildlife classroom resources
ARKive
Free teaching resources which are packed full of the world’s best wildlife photos and videos, bringing lessons to life whatever the subject. Learn more
Creative STAR Learning
Creative STAR have compiled 100s of wonderful outdoor and nature-based ideas for early years children. Learn more
Great Plant Hunt
The Great Plant Hunt offers exciting practical science activities for children aged 5-11 and encourage children to explore the natural world around. Learn more
Grow Wild
Supported by the Big Lottery Fund and led by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Grow Wild inspires communities, friends, neighbours and individuals across the UK to come together to transform local spaces, by sowing, growing and enjoying native wild flowers. Learn more
Learn With Dogs Trust
A collection of curriculum-linked classroom teaching resources providing fun activities with dog themed context to engage children and bring learning to life. Learn more
Learning Rooms
Learning Rooms is a FREE online resource for teachers. It provides a route, a plan, a way forward for turning your classroom – any classroom – into a place where children can not only achieve academic success, but social success too. Learn more
National Trust
The National Trust are committed to trying to inspire a generation of children to get outside and discover just how much fun can be had with the natural world. Learn more
RSPB
A dedicated resource section for children and teachers from The RSPB which is full of amazing facts about birds and the environment. Learn more
Wildchild UK
Wildchild have compiled 9 easy outdoor learning activities that you could do in your garden. These ideas are for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Learn more
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
One of the world’s largest and most respected wetland conservation organisations which provides a range of interactive resources including videos and live webcams. Learn more
The Wildlife Trusts
Running pioneering schemes to encourage children to enjoy the great outdoors and helping them to kindle an early interest in nature. Learn more
Wildlife Watch
The junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK’s leading environmental action club for children with activities, games, and downloads. Learn more
The Woodland Trust
The Trust has developed a series of high quality learning resources and projects for schools, most created in partnership with teachers and tested by children. Learn more
You’ll also find a new article with lockdown activity ideas for kids in 2021. Learn more
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
The world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation that addresses a wide range of issues including environmental education. Learn more
Environmental classroom resources
British Ecological Society
The British Ecological Society aims to support those delivering ecological content in school and higher education. Learn more
Eco-Schools
Aims to empower students to be the change our sustainable world needs by engaging them in fun, action-orientated learning. Learn more
Energise Anything
Created by E.ON to help teachers teach young people about energy. These resources will help young people to understand about the different sources of energy we use. Learn more
The Eden Project
A collection of free teaching resources, lesson plans, and play activities for parents and teachers. Learn more
Gardening with Children
The Schools Zone section of this website is full of stimulating ideas for the class and includes a collection of helpful factsheets, competitions and fun things to do on a rainy day. Learn more
Global Action Plan
The UK’s leading environmental behaviour change charity which, since 1993, has helped businesses, schools, and communities reduce their impact on the environment. Learn more
John Muir Award
The John Muir Award is an environmental award that encourages people of all backgrounds to connect, enjoy and care for wild places through a structured yet adaptable scheme. Learn more
Love Outdoor Learning
An organisation dedicated to helping children grow, develop and learn while they connect with their natural environment. They have many online resources for parents and educators. Learn more
Living Streets
A national charity that stands up for pedestrians and works with you to create safe, attractive, enjoyable streets where it’s great to walk. Learn more
OPAL (Imperial College London)
Learn how to explore, study, and enjoy your local environment with free to download resources including activity ideas, identification guides, and lesson plans. Learn more
The Outdoor Learning Directory
Developed as one-stop-shop for outdoor learning information and resources, for the Environment & Forestry (ENFOR) bodies – including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland, Cairngorms & Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Parks, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Learn more
Recycle Now
Supported and funded by Government, Recycle Now is an excellent resource to help educate children about the importance of recycling. Learn more
The National Association for Environmental Education
The association for teachers, lecturers, advisers, education officers, trainers, students, and all who are concerned with education and the environment. Learn more
The RHS Campaign for School Gardening
A collection of resources to help you get started in setting up and using a garden in your school. Learn more
WWF Footprint Calculator
Calculate your carbon footprint; learn about reducing your footprint, and share knowledge with others. Learn more
Young People’s Trust for the Environment
Founded in 1982, the Young People’s Trust for the Environment is a charity which aims to encourage young people’s understanding of the environment and the need for sustainability. Learn more
Food and health classroom resources
British Nutrition Foundation
A vast array of resources to support teachers and pupils in schools learning about food and nutrition including posters, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations, IT templates and much more. Learn more
Budding Gardeners
Harrod Horticulture bring you their website for schools which now includes lots of advice on planning, growing and cooking, ideas for activities, access to free, individual advice by email, seasonal updates and discounts on gardening equipment. Learn more
Food a Fact of Life
Provides a wealth of free resources about healthy eating, cooking, food, and farming for children and young people aged 3 to 16 years. Learn more
Food for Life
The Food for Life Partnership has a range of downloadable education resources for specific tasks and more general ideas for teaching the curriculum. Learn more
Food Growing Schools: London
The website brings together the very best of London’s food growing expertise, information and support, with the ambition to inspire and equip every school in London to grow their own food. Learn more
Garden Organic
The national charity for organic growing. Their website includes a section on outdoor learning resources for schools. Learn more
Great Grub Club
Plenty of free ideas and downloadable resources to get you and your KS1 or KS2 class learning about healthy living. Learn more
Grow your own grub
A step-by-step growing project for schools. Learn more
Jamie Oliver’s Kitchen Garden Project
A unique online community and teaching resource hub that supports UK primary schools in bringing food education and cooking skills to life. Learn more
PE Scholar
A free community website for sharing high quality physical education resources, lesson plans, academic articles, and more. Learn more
Sustrans
Working with hundreds of schools throughout the UK each year to encourage pupils to be more active, enabling thousands of children to travel actively and safely. Learn more