Considering the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss we drastically need to rethink the way that we relate to and connect with the natural world. This can be achieved through considering our education practices, particularly at primary and secondary level across Scotland. Already Learning for Sustainability and Outdoor Education is a large part of the Scottish Curriculum, but more could be done to integrate nature at all levels of education.

We are petitioning to make a case to the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the Curriculum for Excellence with a view to incorporate nature at all levels, through ‘re-rooting the curriculum’.

This could include:

• More opportunities for direct community and place-based learning in Scotland, especially in urban areas where young people have limited access to greenspaces
• Integration of more outdoor learning and environmental education opportunities within the school curriculum, where young people can learn about their relationship to Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, understanding through the context of Scotland’s past, present and future landscapes
• Outdoor nurseries and Forest School opportunities for early years participants to foster positive environmental values from a young age
• The introduction of a ‘National Nature Service’ (akin to what has been delivered in Wales). Where nature recovery is supported in tandem with strengthening skills, capacity and access to opportunities through education, training, employment and early career pathways.
• Greater support of climate resilience education – strengthening both individuals and communities to act for nature and people in light of the climate and nature crises.
• Better education on Scottish Outdoor Access and environmental stewardship to develop environmental consciousness in learners.
• Greater awareness of the therapeutic and benefits of spending time in nature to tackling the mental health crisis among young people

Our curriculum is biased towards separating subjects for study and learning outcomes, rather than developing a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of the relationships that exist between all beings on the planet. This begins with understanding the relationship that already exists between humans and nature, as well as challenging the perception that ‘nature’ is reduced to amenity or something outside of us.

We are not separate to the natural world, we are nature. This can be integrated into our education and learning practices with a great many benefits.

Who we are

The Green Team Edinburgh and the Lothians

For some it’s the opportunity to take part in an environmental volunteering project, making practical improvements to local parks and woodlands. Or just enjoying spending time outside engaging in nature, having fun floating mini rafts down a river.

For others, it is the opportunity to use nature for personal development: building resilience, confidence and relationships, exploring risk, undertaking learning and developing new skills.

And for everyone it’s the opportunity to spend time with others outdoors, feeling a sense of satisfaction and achievement, making new friends and enjoying the peace and calm of greenspaces.

We are proud that our programmes support both environmental and personal development goals. As a small charity, we couldn’t do it without the help of some amazing volunteers, partners organisations, funders and fundraisers. Their efforts make a huge difference to the young people we work with.

We are a registered charity working in and around Edinburgh. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.