Page 18 - The Land Trust Annual Review 2018

Education Land Trust Annual Review 2018

Why did we need a new strategy? 8,000 people took
The time currently spent outdoors by children part in education
is worryingly low and it was these statistics,
Evidence combined with a crisis in childhood obesity activities on our sites –
shows that that encouraged the Land Trust to act. a 7% increase on the
many children
learn better previous 12 months
in an outdoor Alan Carter, director of portfolio management
environment for the Land Trust, said:
“ The Land Trust has been delivering educational
activities on our sites since its inception but
Green spaces are great places to learn about With over 60 sites across this strategy is about developing that offer
nature, the environment and for promoting further and making a real difference in the
life skills. At the Land Trust we are committed the country, many in communities who live and work close to our
to creating spaces that can become outdoor deprived communities, sites. We are also aware that some children How are we going to achieve this?
learning and training venues and resources we recognise that we are learn far more and deliver better academic Over the next three years we will have a
to connect people with nature. work outdoors than in a traditional classroom. strategic focus on developing relationships
in a unique position to with schools and nurseries within walking
The last 12 months have been very successful make a real difference “ This desire is set against a backdrop of distance of our spaces.
with 8,000 people taking part in education and our refreshed rising childhood obesity levels, decreasing
activities on our sites. childhood mental health and a worrying We have invested in six new outdoor learning
education strategy is the lack of time spent by children and young areas across our sites at Wellesley Woodlands,
However we recognise that there is significantly first step in that process people in the natural environment. Bewsey, Kiveton, Old Hall, Silverdale and
more that we can achieve and our commitment Hassall Green, while also training rangers
to this charitable objective was recognised with “ It is reported that three quarters of UK children and teachers as forest school practitioners,
the launch of a new education strategy. spend less time outdoors than prison inmates to enhance the variety of activity on our sites.
while a fifth of children do not play outside
The ambition of this strategy is to increase at all on an average day. These findings We are also working with an external body
the amount of time young people spend are completely unacceptable and if they called Nature-Nurture to produce an education
outdoors, giving them the opportunity to learn are allowed to remain unchanged we risk pack for use by local schools near our site at
new skills, develop academically, enhance generations of people missing out on enjoying Davy Down, which will be further developed to
their future prospects and make a difference time outside and the physical and mental provide a learning pack that can be distributed
in the community. health benefits that brings.” to schools across the country.

18 19