Early childhood-nature relations in Scottish school-based outdoor learning
NatureScot’s Magnus Magnusson Studentship supported a PhD research project at the University of Edinburgh’s Moray House School of Education and Sport. This research aimed to learn more about the role nature plays in outdoor learning. The summary report outlines the research conducted by Dr Chris Mackie. This includes details under: [...]
Learning Places Conference 2023: NatureScot presentation – useful links
Learning Places Conference 2023 14- 15 November 2023 Day 2 - 1300 h Sustainable Estate This session explored the learning opportunities provided through place-based experiences outdoors. This can support learning for sustainability and the skills children and young people need to meet the challenges of a changing world. This was [...]
Teaching, learning and play in the outdoors: a survey of provision in Scotland in 2022
This research reports on the location, duration and focus of outdoor learning sessions. It compares these with 2014 and 2006 and suggests a goal for outdoor learning time in primary schools. Read this report to discover key recommendations for increasing practitioner confidence and enhancing provision of outdoor learning in early [...]
Foraging for Wild Plants
NatureScot provides guidance on Foraging for Wild Plants. There is also a Foraging pack for schools. Download PDFs of the Gaelic and English language versions.
NatureScot Youth Survey 2022
This report is on the survey conducted to gather the views of young people (11-30 years old) on NatureScot’s Corporate Plan 2022-2026. There is a full report, with 2-page summary, along with a beautiful summary infographic from a young artist. Cite as: Gardner. A. and Webster. C. 2022. Youth Survey [...]
Learning in Local Greenspace – an evaluation report
NatureScot have published this report March 2022Munro, S.A. 2022. Learning in Local Greenspace - an evaluation report. NatureScot Research Report No.1296. The report found that, among other things, that the percentage of teachers taking learning outdoors in their local greenspace regularly, rose from 28% to 49%. Teacher confidence in taking learning outdoors [...]
Nature Scot and CLD Outdoor Learning 19 November 2021
This Education Scotland webinar is for Community Learning and Development (CLD) practitioners or educators. The focus of this event is on resources for green recovery, learning outdoors and health activities in the outdoors. Find out about environmental volunteering and the John Muir Award. Explore how nature, health and wellbeing and [...]
Scotland’s Big5 Funbook
This NatureScot Big5 funbook is free to download. It features mini profiles of the otter, harbour seal, red deer, red squirrel and golden eagle. It describes the top three places you’re most likely to spot each of these special animals. The information is available in English and Gaelic versions.
